
.Mil 



EL PUCHERO: 



OB, 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO, 



EMBRACING 



GENERAL SCOTT'S CAMPAIGN, 



hlt)^u of Militnri] Tift, 



IN FIELD AND CAMP, 



CHARACTER OF THE COUNTRY, MANNERS AND WAYS 
OF THE PEOPLE, ETC. 



BY RICHARD M'SHERRY, M.D., U.S.N., 



LATE ACIINQ SURGEON OF REGIMENT OF MARINES. 



^t*^ 



of Co ft c 



PHILADELPHIAf °^J^'- '' 

LIPPINCOTT, GRAMBO & CO. 

SUCCESSORS TO GRIQG, ELLIOTT & CO. 
1.850. 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1850, 

ISy LippiNcoTT, Grambo & Co., 

In the Cleric's Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 



1 



PHILADELPHIA: 
C. SHERMAN, PRINTER. 



/ ^^' 



7? 

PREFACE. 



When the author of the following letters was taking his 
rough and hurried notes in the confusion of the march, and 
sometimes during the din of battle, he had little thought of 
giving them to the world. The friend,* however, to whom 
the letters were addressed, a distinguished lawyer and a man of 
eminent literary taste, recommended their publication, to which 
■he author assented on condition of that gentleman's making 
the campaign complete by giving, from official documents, the 
battles of Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo. This he was kind 
enough to undertake, and from his pen came the spirited 
sketches at the end of this volume. He did more ; — he wrote 
a highly finished essay on the political history of the War, 
which, however, he withdrew, because it was supposed to give 
the book itself a political bias foreign to its general design. 

The name. El Puchero, was assumed on account of the dis- 
cursive and mixed character of the work, which is composed, 
without much regard to order, of various elements of war and 

* David Holmes Conrad, Esq., of Virginia. 
1 



U PREFACE. 

peace, and of such general considerations as present them- 
selves to tlic observation of a stranger in a foreign land. 
May, 1840. 

P. S. When the letters were preparing for publication it 
was not the intention of the author to give his name to the 
world with them. In compliance, however, with the desire 
of the publishers, it appears on the title-page. He has to 
regret now that he has not done justice to many of his 
friends and brother officers, by associating acts of personal 
gallantry with their names, which he could not have done in 
carrying out his first intentions without throwing off his 
incognito. 



CONTENTS. 



LETTER I. 



Unsuccessful Attempt to get to Vera Cruz — Exposure at Sea — Vessel proves 
a Failure, and Returns — Reaches New York in time for Anniversary 
Celebration of Taylor's Victories — News of Scott's Victory at Cerro 
Cordo. --.-.. 13 

LETTER II. 

Sail with Troops in a Transport Ship — A Military School at Sea — A Sailor 
Captain's History — Trouble at Havana. ----- 17 

LETTER III. 

Water-Spout — A Pilot in a Chain-Gang — Vigilance of Port Captain — Ap- 
proach Vera Cruz — Bright Prospects — Spies and Lassos — Landing on the 
Beach — Storm Ashore — Yellow Fever — Churches Occupied as General 
Hospitals— The Town— Oi Polloi— The Walls. - - - - 20 

LETTER IV. 

Peak of Orizaba — Castle of San Juan — Fare in Camp — Fruits — Sand-flies 
and Mosquitoes — A Courier — Rumours — Sickness — Abduction of an 
Officer. 24 

LETTER V. 

Rumours corrected — Naval Service on the Coast — Malaria — Shops and 
Shopkeepers in Vera Cruz — Public Buildings — Preparations for Depar- 
ture — Breaking Mules — Ambulances — Alarms — The Brigade moves for 
the Interior. 27 



IV CONTENTS. 



L E T T V: II Y 1 . 

A Sick Army — Iiisubordinatiou of an Important Portion of it — A Night 
on the lload — The Bivouac — Trouble with Horses — Santa Fe — Wild 
Cattle — Lancers — Breakfast — The Koad — AYeariness of the Men — They 
throw off Incumbrances — Transporting the Sick — San Juan, or the 
Mud-hole. 31 



LETTER VII. 

Rain and Mud — Ticks and Mosquitoes — Life in the Woods most pleasant 
when Viewed from a Distance — Cause of Detention — Lomo — Skirmishing 
— Men Wounded — Invisible Enemies — Tolom^ — Lights and Shadows — 
National Bridge — A Bit of an Action— Natural Advantages for Defence — 
Scenery, like Harper's Ferry — The River Antigua — Bathing — A Lurking 
Enemy — Arrival at Plan del Rio. ---... 35 

LETTER VI IL 

Difficulty of Maintaining a Correspondence — Rancheros — Topography of 
Plan del Rio, Streams and Bridges — The Escopet — A Barricade — Bridge 
Destroyed — A Hard Bed — Cutting a Road — Approach Cerro Gordo — Re- 
flections, uncalled for — Ascent of the Mountain — Advantages for Defence 
— Dismantled Guns — Change of Scene. ----- 33 

LETTER IX. 

A Cup of Cold Water — Sign.s of Civilization — Losses on the Way — Wreck of a 
Camp — Hacienda — An Officer Wounded — A Trap and a Chase — Jalapa — 
Admiring Spectators. 43 

LETTER X. 

A Resting Spell — Intercourse with the Paisaiios — A Market — Prices — 
Virtues of Spermaceti — Getting Supplies from the Town — Contrast be- 
tween the Dealings of the American and Mexican Troops with the Citi- 
zens — Fruits of Intemperance — A Soldier Killed — Horses Stolen — La 
Hoya — The Pass — How defended — Cadwalader's Encounter — Camp in a 
Basinful of Watev — Climate Changes with Elevation — A Hard March to 
Perote. . . . . 45 



CONTENTS. 



LETTER XI. 



Pei'ote— Castle of San Carlos — Its Condition— How Occupied — Mortality — 
Exchange of Sick for Convalescents — Attending Church — Sand-clouds — 
Exposure of the Troops — Their Imprudence — Opportunities of sending 
Letters Home. --- 48 



LETTER XI L 

Cofre de Perote — Tierras Frias — Face of the Country — Haciendas : they 
look like Feudal Strongholds — Transportation of Sick — Danger to Strag- 
glers — Wayside Crosses — Inscription — Puebla, the Home of i\jigels — The 
Angelic Foblanas smile not on the northern Sons of Mars. - - 51 

LETTER XIII. 

An old Mexican Town " set to rights" and disguised — ^The Commander-in- 
chief determines to advance on the Capital — Danger of Delay — Pierce's 
Command is distributed — The Army composed of four Divisions — The 
Marine Regiment is assigned to General Quitman's Division (of Volun- 
teers) — Component Parts of the Division — Churches in Puebla — Cathe- 
dral — The Governor's Palace — Portales — Grand Plaza — Market-place — 
Coaches — Departure from Puebla by Divisions — The sight of the Com- 
mander-in-chief inspires confidence — Colonel Childs left in command at 
Puebla — Relative Conditions of Invading and Defending Armies. 55 



LETTER XIV. 

Buena Vista — Country and Crops from Puebla to San Martin — Pulque — 
Snow ^lountains — Popocatapetl and Istaccihuatl — The more Striking be- 
cause Solitary — Ascent of the Great Barrier — An Alarm — Rio Frio — 
Airy Lodgings — A veritable High-Road. ----- 58 

LETTER XV. 

First View of the Central Valley of Mexico — A transparent Atmosphere — 
Climate — Efiects of Exposure — Concentration of the Army — The two 
Superior Generals — ElPenon — Probable Loss of Men necessary for taking 
it — Snow-storm in the Mountains — Reconnoitering. . - - 61 

1* 



VI CONTENTS. 



LP]TTEll X\ 1. 

The Army leaves the direct Road to the City — Chalco — An old Church and 
an old Curate — Record of the Padre's Predecessors — A fiery Painting — A 
Voice from the other World — Human Remains — Turning Penon — Extinct 
Craters — Changes wrought by Time. ------ 64 

LETTER XVII. 

Cultivation of the Soil — The Maguey Plant (Agave Americana) — Pulque, 
the Wine of Mexico — Mescal, the Usquebaugh — The Merits of Pulque, 
better than Nectar — Bringing it to Market — Like Vice, it comes, 

'• A monster of so frightful mien, 
As to be hated needs but to be seen," 

Yet soon becoming familiar, is first endured, then embraced — Manner of 
Procuring — The new Liquor [Agua 3Iiel, Honey Water), resembles the 
Milk of the Green'Cocoanut — Various Uses of the Plant — Groves of Olive 
Trees — Vegetables — Fruits — A Rough Road — Obstructions — The Ball 
Opened — An Officer Killed. 67 

LETTER XVIII. 

San Augustin, or Tlalpam — Renewed worship of Huitzlipochtli, the ancient 
God of War — San Antonio — Contreras — Field of Lava (Pedregal) — Trans- 
portation of Artillery Pieces — Working under fire of the Enemy — View 
from a Church Tower — Batteries Planted — A bad Night — Prospects gloomy 
— Enemy elated — SuflFerings and Exposure of our Troops — Quitman's 
Reserve starts for the Scene of Action — Battle won before reaching 
there — Prisoners of War, &c. — Note — Some Details of the Battle of Con- 
treras. ----------- 71 



LETTER XIX. 

General Worth at San Antonio — General Quitman remains at San Augustin 
— Duties of the Surgeons — Battle continues (at Churubusco) — Losses of 
New York and South Carolina Regiments — Petition of the Marine Officers 
— Fall of Churubusco — Merit of the Army — Unity — National Strength — 
Mexico deficient in the most important Elements of a People, and there- 
fore essentially Weak — Note — Some Details of the Battle of Churubusco. 

81 



CONTENTf<. Vll 



LETTER XX. 

Army restrained from entering the City — Increased means of Offence — A 
Truce — (The Armistice) — The Sick — Rumours — Conversations with Citi- 
zens — Their Character and Condition — No respectable Villagers — A Mexi- 
can Household — A kind Lady — Death of an Officer. - - - 88 

LETTER XXI. 

Return Home of the City Folk — Diligencias— Captured Deserters — A Mexi- 
can Country Town — Residences (Casus de Campo) — Gardens — Fruits — 
Gamblers' Festival — Colonel Watson, Military Governor. - - 92 

LETTER XXI L 

Variety in the Army — Citizen Followers — Their patriotism — Armistice 
broken — War resiimed — Orders to march — History promises success — 
Adieu to San Augustin. -------- 95 

LETTER XXII L 

Female Fidelity — Battle of Molino del Rey — Victory dearly bought — A Bar- 
barous Enemy — Santa Catalina — Fate of Deserters — San Angel — A Car- 
melite Convent — Mode of Confessing — Odd Shots — Hard Fare — Fruits of 
Fair Dealing — A Night March — Strategy — Broken Slumbers — An Acci- 
dent — The light of day introduces the Castle of Chapultepec. - 97 

LETTER XXIV. 

Bombardment of Chapultepec — Site of the Castle — Opening a Hospital — 
Watching the Shots — General Quitman reconnoitering — General Shields — 
Nights -without rest — The Assault — An Active Gun — Steadiness of the 
Americans— Interested Spectators — Fall of Chapultepec — Death of Major 
Twiggs — Repair to the Castle. 105 

LETTER XXV. 

The Dead and Dying — Mangled Remains — Troops moving on for the City — 
Want of Comforts for the Wounded — Following up the Division — A Cau- 
tion to keep out of Harm's Way — Interview with Officers at the Garita 
of Belen — Return to the Castle — Duties there — Stoicism — The Corps of 
Surgeons. ----------- 109 



Vlll CONTENTS. 



LETTER XXVI. 

Unconditional Surrender of the City — Occupation of the Citadel — Street 
Fighting — Rifles versus Escopets — Proclamations — A sad City — Decked 
out with Flags — Return of the Absent — Shifting Quarters — Fatality 
among Field-OfiQcers. - - - - - - - - 113 



LETTER XXVII. 

Amusements versus War — Supposed Causes of Fatality among the Wounded 
— Looking for a Boarding-house — Take Meals at a French Hotel, in the 
Street of the Holy Ghost — Earthquake — Followed by Sea-sickness — Gene- 
ral Quitman made Civil and Military Governor — Martial Law — Pillage 
not allowed — A Contribution levied — Humane disposition of it. - 126 



LETTER XXVIIL 

New Quarters — The City not on Dry Land — Brackish Water — Drinking 
Water — Aguadores — Amusements — El Teatro Nacional — Paseo — Alameda 
— Renewing Acquaintance — A Repast of Sweetmeats — Mexico Travestied 
— The Leperos or Greasers — Marriage truly de corivenance. - - 130 



LETTER XXIX. 

A Returning Train — The Grand Plaza — Cathedral — Palace — Shops — A 
Triumphal Column — Grave Toys — Climate — An Excxirsion to Guadalupe 
— A Miraculous Painting — The Cathedral — A Generous Host — Distribu- 
tion of the Volunteer Division. 138 



LETTER XXX. 

The Cathedral — Less Ornamented than formerly — Numerous Chapels — 
Want of Cleanliness — The Churches of the Profesa and St. Francis — 
Padres — On the Mission — General Character of Mexican Clergy — The Bad 
most Conspicuous — A Remarkable Brotherhood — Wants a Counterpart. 

187 



CONTENTS, IX 



LETTER XXX I. 

First News from Home — Madame Caldcron's "Life in Mexico" — Beggars — 
Robbers — Penalties of Wealth — Political Misrule — -A Visit to Chapultepec 
— Cypress of Montezuma — A Tertulia — Diversions — The Women — Mystic 
Studies — Blue Eyes— Social Reserve — A Murdered Body. - - 140 



LETTER XXXII. 

An Aztec Belle — General Condition of the Indians — Their Character — Num- 
bers — Appearance — Afflictions — Capacity — Religion — Mixed Race — Cha- 
racter of Leperos — They may be made Good Citizens by Rigorous Rule — 
Note : Suspension of the Alcabala. ------ 144 



LETTER XXXIIL 

Caiiete's Benefit — Sable Harmonists — Rumours of Insurrection — A Sermon 
— The City — Humboldt — Origin of the Name of Mexico — The Valley — 
Streets — Houses — Awnings — Peculiarity in Naming the Streets — Origin 
of the Former City — The Present not on a Firm Foundation — Disappear- 
ance of Lakes — Saline Deposits — Church of Nuestra Seiiora de Loreto. 

148 



LETTER XXXIV. 

The Viaticum — Church Ceremonies — State of Religion — Releasing Souls 
from Purgatory — Friars and Secular Clergy — Anniversary Celebration at 
Guadalupe — National Museum — Colossal Statue — Sacrificial Stone — 
Models of Mines, &c. — Natural Specimens — Wax Figures. - - 152 

LETTER XXXV. 

Robbery, by Wholesale and Retail — The Arrieros — Their Costume, &c. — 
Contrast with the Indians, and their Burros (Donkeys) — Women's Cos- 
tume — The Rebozo — Infliction of Punishment — A bold Attempt at Rescue 
— Succeeds as it Deserves — Botanical Garden — Society — General Scott 
and the Ladies — Churches on Christmas Day — A Pleasant Evening. 156 



rONTENTP. 



L E T T E Jl X X XVI. 

Legion of Beggars — Their Dress and Fare — Danger of Sailing under False 
Colours — Public Balls — Nymphs of Beleniitas — More amiable than 
their Lovers — Soubriquets— Visit to the Mint — Accessions to the Army — 
Prevalence of Sickness — Military Police. - - - - - 100 

LETTER XXXVII. 

Social Intercourse — Informal Calls — Accomplishments Cultivated — Topics 
of Conversation — Manner of Passing Evenings — Spaniards vs. Mexicans — 
Geography at a Discount — Education among the Wealthy Improving — 
Women of the Middle Class. - - 163 

LETTER XXXVIII. 

A delightful Book for studying Spanish — Tasks — Recess — Precautions 
against Robbers — Prescott's History — A Visit to Tacuba — Expenses of 
Living — Aztec Club — Visit to a Cotton Factory. - - - - 167 

LETTER XXXIX. 

Gh-an funcion at the Plaza de Toros ; Anglice, a Bull-fight — Circus — Pano- 
rama — Caimaval — Ash-Wednesday — The Viceroys — Introduction of Cop- 
per Coin among the Indians — Velasco — His manly stand in favour of the 
Oppressed — La Viga. - -*- - - - - - 171 

LETTER XL. 

Convicts in Chain-gangs — Their Employment — Temporary Marriages — 
Fueros, or Special Privileges — Magic — Hospital de Jesus — Portrait of 
Cortes — Diversions modified by Lent — Names, and Diminutives — Religious 
Emblems. 176 

LETTER XL I. 

Court of Inquiry — Hot Springs — Former Inundations — Surface of Lakes 
above the Level of the City — Drains, or Desague — Floating Gardens — 
Mexico, a Republic only in Name — Social Grades — Lawyers and Doctors. 

179 



CONTENTS. 



LETTER XLII. 

A Change of Residence — The House, and Family — A Family Dinner — The 
Market — Holy Week — Palm Sunday — A Canonigo — The Service— A Ser- 
mon — "Visiting the Sepulchres" — Bad Taste — Temporarjr Shops for Re- 
freshments — Good Friday — Rattles — Last of Lent. - - - 183 

LETTER XL II I. 

Villages about the Citj'^ — Academia de los Aries Nobles, and 3Iineria — Arrival 
of Commissioners — Isthmus of Tehuantepec — Peace not desirable to the 
Mexicans — Drowsy Watchmen — Illustrations of Bad Government — Es- 
pionage — Annexation, or Protection desired. - - - - 187 

LETTER XLIV. 

Marching Orders — A Diligence attacked — Man killed — Garrisons on the 
Way — Old Obstructious — Pyramid of Cholula — The March — Specie Trains 
for the Coast ; Merchandise for the Interior — Jalapa — The Starry Moun- 
tain — Graves at the National Bridge — The Mud-hole flourishing — Vera 
Cruz — Alvarado — A Child's Funeral — A new War. - - - 191 

LETTER XLV. 

Complimentary Style of Mexican Epistles — Works on Mexico — Extracts — 
Variety of Products of Mexico — Manufactures — The Banana and Manioc 
(Tapioca) — Finale. --------- 195 

APPENDIX. 

The Siege of Vera Cruz, 201 

Cerro Gordo, 213 

List of Officers, 226 



EL PUCHERO, 

OB 

A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 



LETTER I. 



Unsuccessful Attempt to get to Vera Cruz — Exposure at Sea — Vessel proves 
a Failure, and Returns — Reaches New York in time for Anniversary 
Celebration of Taylor's Victories — News of Scott's Victory at Cerro 
Gordo. 

New York, May, 1847. 

"We reacted this great metropolis some days ago, after an unsuc- 
cessful attempt to get to Vera Cruz. We sailed from Norfolk the 
latter part of March, expecting to be present at the gathering of 
laurels anticipated on the fall of the stout Castle of San Juan de 
Uloa. 

Our little cruise, however, brought but barren perils instead of 
honours, for when off Cape Hatteras, in the middle of the night and 
the storm, we found our little craft was filling fast. 

She was a steamer, an iron steamer, so deep laden that every old 
salt that saw her predicted she would never go to sea in such con- 
dition, or that if she did, she would never return. Their predic- 
tions were not verified, — she did go to sea, and she did return, though 
they spoke knowingly. She went out in the midst of evil bodings. 

2 



14 EL PlICHERO, OR 

A friend in bidding you farewell would look upon you with a sort of 
melancholy, as if he felt something he could not express; the sea- 
gulls were skimming about in the harbour, as is their custom when 
the storm rages fierce at sea ; the sky was black and lowering, and 
the March wind blew fitfully, as it does, now sighing and moaning, 
now howling and threatening. Still we stood on ; the Ripraps and 
Old Point Comfort were behind us, when a crash was heard amid 
the roar of the elements, causing all hands to rush rapidly on deck. 
The cause was soon discovered. Our stern boat was so near the 
water that she was struck by a sea, stove in, fairly crushed, and one 
of the davits by which she swung was carried away. This was a 
bad beginning — a boat gone before we got to the Capes. But this 
was not all, for it soon appeared that there was a considerable leak 
someioliere; the ofiieers' rooms on the starboard side were taking 
in torrents of water. The pilot was very unwilling to take her out 
to sea; and the captain, upon reflection, determined to run back 
under the lee of a friendly bit of ter-ra fir-ma, where some investiga- 
tion could be made. We accordingly took shelter under SewelFs 
Point for the night. The leak was found, as supposed, and stopped, 
and the next morning we stood out again for the broad Atlantic. A 
little after noon we were well out on its heaving bosom. The pilot 
took leave of us, saying as he went, he would rather go in the most 

miserable little sloop than in all the d d steamers that were ever 

built — but we stood on. The wind had abated, though the sea was 
running high, and favouring us. There was no threatening danger 
apparently, but I had begun to feel we might never return. This, 
perhaps, was owing in part to the sense of loneliness and dreariness 
that the great dark, boundless, and fathomless sea throws over every 
man, when he has been enjoying for a time the peaceful happiness 
of the homestead. Towards evening the wind freshened ; at mid- 
night it blew a gale. I had not slept — I was in no frame of mind 
for sleeping, but if I had been, numerous little streams of salt water 
were falling on my bed from the deck above, and I was devising ex- 
pedients to keep dry. At length, wearied out, I was sinking into a 
sleep in spite of my untimely shower-bath, when a general distur- 
bance, and a rush of men into the ward-room, woke me, warning me 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 15 

at the same time that there was danger. A moment sufficed to ex- 
plain. I jumped from my berth to pull on my boots, but found them 
swimming in water ; the men were tearing up the hatch letting into 
the spirit-room and hold, which were full of water and overflowing. 
The steamer was divided into three compartments, and the after one 
was filling rapidly ; so much so, that the active baling of the whole 
crew made no impression on the accumulating waters. Where were 
your pumps ? you may ask. They were where we could get no good 
of them, that is, in the middle compartment, separated from the 
after one by heavy iron bulkheads. It's true there was a valve 
making communication between the two, but it was deep under 
water and choked by the washings from the store-rooms. Now, 
what was to be done ? Baling by buckets was hopeless, and our 
pumps useless. That she was settling by the stern was evident, and 
we began to think more of seeing Davy Jones than Santa Anna. 
But in fact it was no time for thinking — the captain was giving 
orders on deck, heaving over an extra supply of coal that was weigh- 
ing her down ; the first lieutenant, a man that " had a heart for 
every fate," was urging on the work with an admirable serenity ; 
the second was backing him ; and indeed each and every officer and 
man seemed to feel himself called on to summon his energies and 
bend himself, might and main, to his duty. Fortunately, though 
the sea was still running high, the wind was falling, otherwise, float- 
ing as she was, bows rising and stern sinking, we were in a fair way 
for shipping a sea, and going down stern foremost. But this was 
not our destiny. The engineer, after great labour with his party, had 
succeeded in breaking ofi" some rivet-heads, and, driving the rivets 
through the bulkhead, the water found its way into the engine-room. 
Now came a mighty power to help the weary crew. When the 
engineers manned the pumps, the work began to tell; in a little 
while, between pumping and baling, the valve was found and 
cleared, and then the work went rapidly on. Not a man on board 
but breathed freer; though throughout none had shown unmanly 
fear. The whole scene passed in about two hours of a dark and 
stormy night, from six bells in the mid watch to two in the morning 
watch, that is, from three to five o'clock A.M. The crew had become 



16 EL PUCHERO, OR 

nearly exhausted, and but for the expedient that brought the engines 
to relieve their labours, we must all have perished. Now, however, 
that the pressing danger had passed, the captain determined to stand 
for Charleston, have his craft overhauled, and the leaks stopped 
effectually. But a new difficulty presented itself — our trusty engines 
well-nigh ceased to serve us. We had been supplied with a bad 
quality of coal, that ran in glazed cakes of clinker, or refuse, over 
the bars, and thus the fires failed. We were still upon a stormy 
sea, no land in sight, in a leaky ship that had nothing to trust to 
but her engines to keep her free. Our engineer and his assistants, 
however, were not men to stand with their hands in their pockets 
when there was work to be done — they almost lived in the fires ; 
keeping one engine going with light wood, while raking the clinker 
out of the other ; and thus raking out and firing up did they live, 
like salamanders, until we reached, with great difficulty, Ocrecoke 
Inlet, on the " rock-bound coast" of Carolina. Here we obtained an 
indifferent supply of wood fuel — waited for a smooth sea, and coasted 
back to Norfolk as best we could, thence to Washington, where we 
lightened our hapless craft of everything that could be removed 
from her, when we took her finally to New York, where she will 
probably rest for years, or, it may be, for ever ! When perfectly 
empty, her own weight sinks her as deep in the water as she ought 
to be full freighted ; and it was thence in part that she was so leaky, 
for seams in her sides that were intended to be always above water, 
were always under, and not being water-tight, they were a source of 
perpetual annoyance and danger. 

We reached this city in time to witness the brilliant illumination 
commemorating the anniversary of General Taylor's great victories 
in Mexico. On the same day came news of General Scott's success 
at Cerro Gordo, which added additional zest to the rejoicings. I 
met with friends from Virginia and Baltimore, and with them 
struggled through the mass of human beings that filled the streets, 
countless as the "sands on the sea-shore." Wearied at length of 
the glare, the glitter, and the immensity of this modern Babel, I 
sought my bed at the Astor, where I dreamed all night of fire- 
works and firearms, honour and glory, and sieges and shipwrecks. 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 17 



LETTER 11. 

Sail with Troops in a Transport Ship — A Military School at Sea — A Sailor 
Captain's History — Trouble at Havana. 

U. S. Transport Ship, off Havana, June. 
When rid of the steamer, I fancied myself rid of the war, and 
being very little inclined to seek renown upon the battle-field, I 
gave myself up to sweet delusions of a happy period to be enjoyed 
with ''wife, children, and friends." My enjoyment, alas! was as 
short-lived as the insects that come into life with the rising sun to 
die with its setting. Scarcely had I crossed the threshold of my 
mountain home, when a yellow-coated document was handed me 
directing my immediate return to New York for a tour of most ar- 
duous duty. No time was allowed for preparation ; the call was 
imperative. I was to go, and to go at once ; there was nothing to 
be done but to obey. A few days found me quartered at Fort Hamil- 
ton, below New York, where the regiment was forming with which 
I was to serve ; in a few more we were beating to the southward 
against a strong southerly wind. When a man first ventures on salt 
water, if at all imaginative, he can make a very good story of a very 
common cruise. The novelty of all surrounding objects strikes him 
forcibly ; the solemn grandeur of the ocean, the sailing qualities of 
the ship, her tall spars and ample canvass, the queer ways of the 
old sea-dogs, their immense appetites, while the very idea of eating 
nauseates the landsman, their ignorance of the most common-place 
knowledge on shore, and their intelligence in the mysteries of their 
craft, their songs and practical jokes, &c., &c., — all combined, make 
the landsman feel himself in a new, if not a better, world, and 
he has only to portray vividly to make his story interesting. First 
impressions are here, as elsewhere, strongest; a little experience 
makes a man so much at home at sea, that he cannot fancy any 
account of his life there would be entertaining. On board of our 
ship, fife and drum superseded the boatswain's whistle; we hear 

2* 



18 EL PUCHERO, OR 

more of " right face" and '' left face," than of " starboard" and 
" larboard," for most of the men are recruits, and many of the 
oflBccrs are young men who have just girded on their swords for the 
first time. A gallant captain, whose head had grown gray in the 
service, feeling an honest pride in the discipline and drill of his corps, 
spent all his spare time giving "first lessons," now to the young 
gentlemen, and now to the recruits. This gives occupation to those 
concerned, and amusement to those who are not, but the idlers had 
at times to run ingloriously, like Mr. Pickwick and his party, not 
to be caught in a charge of '* bristling bayonet." 

So far our voyage has been uninteresting. We came by the 
" Hole in the Wall," a natural sea-traversed tunnel, and the Ba- 
hama Banks, where we were detained by calms and head winds ; we 
had the gratification of seeing a dozen other ships baflSed like our- 
selves, some of them troop ships. A steamer hove in sight as if to 
tantalize us, showed herself and was off", leaving, in a little while, 
nothing but a streak of black smoke on the horizon to show where 
she had been. We had to content ourselves examining the clear 
coral bottom over which we were lying, or fishing for groupers, &c., 
that we never caught. The captain of the ship one night took it 
into his head to tell us his history, which was somewhat as follows. 
He was born of humble parentage at Marblehead ; his first recol- 
lections are, that he was sent out with the fishermen, and that it was 
his business to hawk his fish through the streets on his return. He 
thus commenced a sea-life before he was seven years of age. All 
the proceeds of his industry were appropriated by his parents ; he 
never knew an article of luxury, not even comfort, and never 
was allowed a cent to spend. He led a life of absolute slavery 
from seven to seventeen years of age ; he knew his parents as exact- 
ing task-masters, but not as guardians and friends. At the age of 
seventeen, he became master of half a dollar, and supplicated his 
mother to let him go forth to try his fortune, to which she gave a 
very reluctant consent. His highest ambition was to go to sea be- 
fore the mast. Accordingly he started for Boston, and was soon 
gratified. Having suffered many privations, he returned at the end 
of a year with money enough to buy himself a suit of clothes, with 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 19 

a hundred dollars to spare. His mother, after censuring his extra- 
vagance (he had spent fifteen or twenty dollars in twelve months), 
appropriated the remaining money to herself. She looked upon 
him as a bondsman bringing home his hire. He pursued his career, 
improved his opportunities, and at twenty-one was mate of a ship. 
In time he was advanced to the command of a vessel, and though 
emancipated, he left half of his pay for the support of his parents as 
long as they lived. This man is as rough as a bear; coarse in his 
manners and hard-favoured in his features, but his virtues as a son, 
in my eyes, redeem him. He told us that what he said of himself 
was the common history of the greater part of his native commu- 
nity. 

Calms and squalls. So it is ever in the tropics when out of trade- 
winds, or sea and land breezes. We were brought by " cat's-paws" 
from Bahama Banks to Cuba. Now our sails spread to the refresh- 
ing sea-breeze. I cannot imagine a more perfect destitution of 
comfort than to be becalmed at sea under a tropical sun. The 
thermometer ranges from 84° to 90° in the shade ; it's hot on deck, 
sweltering below — your provisions are dry and salty, and you be- 
come parched and feverish, and then when you want to relieve your 
thirst, to be offered warm, perhaps slimy water, enlivened by ani- 
malcules — is it not enough to make a Christian man forswear the sea 
and its abominations ? Yet the love of adventure or the love of 
gold, or mere restlessness, or some wicked Genius, that delights in 
human misery, sends endless thousands to live and die on the un- 
friendly element. And so it will ever be — why ? Let echo answer. 

We are now ofi" Havana in a snarl with the authorities. Some 
of our officers went in to obtain fresh supplies, but they entered in- 
formally, without regular permission, although they believed it was 
granted them by an officer as they passed the Moro Castle. It 
seems his permission was of no avail ; they landed without exami- 
nation by the health officer, and are not allowed to return with- 
out paying each a fine of two hundred dollars. This they consider 
as unjust as it is inconvenient. Our consul is doing his best to get 
them released, but his only success is that of keeping them out of 
the calabosa. Meantime we on shipboard have to be content with 



20 EL PUCHERO, OR 

gazing on the gay-looking town, and the bright green hills which 
surround it ; the ample harbour which we dare not enter, and the 
frowning castles that protect it. There is a beautiful contrast of 
long low houses, dazzling white, with the green cocoas overtopping 
them, in all the rich verdure of the tropics, in the background. 
The scenery is highly picturesque. As we stand off and on, nume- 
rous dolphins are playing around us ; their varying hues surpass the 
richest plumage of the feathered tribe. 

Some of our party have returned to the ship, after paying their 
fines — others remained to contend with the authorities about their 
injustice. We wait no longer, but bidding adieu to the shores of 
Cuba, direct our course at once to those of Mexico. 



LETTER III. 



Water-Spout — A Pilot in a Chain-Gang — Vigilance of Port Captain — Ap- 
proach Vera Cruz — Bright Prospects — Spies and Lassos — Landing on the 
Beach — Storm Ashore — Yellow Fever — Churches Occupied as General 
Hospitals— The Town— Oi Polloi— The Walls. 

Camp Vergara (near Vera Cruz), July. 

After leaving Havana, we passed near enough to see the action 
of a water-spout, but not to feel its influence, fortunately. One of 
the officers who had been victimized at that city, told me he saw a 
pilot working in a chain-gang, pointed out to him by our Consul, 
whose only crime had consisted in taking some passengers from an 
American man-of-war to the city, when the ship was passing by the 
harbour and too much pressed for time to go in herself. He attri- 
butes the unjust treatment which himself and companions received, 
to the greediness of the Port Captain, who had winked at their land- 
ing that he might pocket their fines. 

As we neared this coast, we kept a bright look out for volcanoes, 
Tuxtla and Orizaba : the fires of the former are occasionally to be 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 21 

seen at night, according to Blunt's " Coast Pilot/' but we failed to 
discover them. Favourable winds brought us rapidly towards Vera 
Cruz, and on the evening of the 29th ult., we made the light, and 
took a pilot on board. His accounts were highly encouraging — 
General Scott was dead, had just died at Puebla of dysentery — the 
army was hemmed in at that city without supplies or resources ; 
every train that started for the interior was cut off; yellow fever 
was annihilating our troops in the tierras calientes ; guerrilla war- 
fare was effecting the same on the highways, &c., &c., all of which 
this worthy Mexican seemed to believe without reservation. 

We soon found, indeed, that except as to the death of the distin- 
guished chief of the army, there was some foundation for all the 
rumours he had given us, though monstrously exaggerated. Landing 
at Vera Cruz, we found that scarce an American had failed to have 
an attack of the fever, and that it was fearfully fatal. Without our 
lines, the guerrilla war is in full blast ; every motion of our troops 
is watched and noted, and no individual nor small party can go out 
of reach of the sentry's fire, without a strong probability of being 
lassoed and murdered. 

Our command was not landed at the city, but on the beach about 
three miles off, at a camp where some two thousand men are now 
collected under Brigadier-Greneral Pierce. We came ashore in surf- 
hoats, each of which is capable of transporting from sixty to eighty 
men. They are very strong vessels, built to stem the breakers ; be- 
ing too large to get up to the beach, we had to follow the example 
of Caesar's army invading Britain ; we jumped over, all standing, 
and waded to the camp-ground. We landed on the 3d of July, 
and had a most inhospitable reception. During the night, a tre- 
mendous norther set in, a rare occurrence at this season, accom- 
panied by torrents of rain. The camp is on a sand-beach, between 
a low range of sand-hills and the sea, in a space from one to two 
hundred yards wide. The exposure is to the northward and east- 
ward, — so we were planted to receive the full benefit of the gale. 
Somewhere about midnight, or later, we were roused by shouts and 
yells from all quarters, blended with the confused roar of wind, 
sea, and rain. Our rest was broken most effectually. The scant 



22 EL PUCHERO, OR 

bedding we had prepared for the field, was becoming saturated with 
water ; the tent was leaking from above ; the sand below was absorb- 
ing the water from the eaves like a sponge. Two of us occupied 
one tent, and putting our wits together, we noticed that no water 
dropped in over the ridge-pole, so we gathered up what was yet dry 
of the bedding, and sat bolt upright, amidships. Now we were so 
snug that we laughed at the afflictions of our less protected neigh- 
bours, for we could hear by their exclamations that they were 
drenched and were running about, helter-skelter, to look for quar- 
ters. '^ Captain 's tent is down," " There goes the Major's/' 

" None standing in Company B.," and so forth, were the cries all 
around us, and we were getting very funny at the expense of people 
who " built their houses on the sand — the wind and the waves 
came," &c., but our glorification was very short. '' Who lives here ?" 
says a familiar voice ; "■ let me in ; my tent is gone and my overcoat 
is soaking." Before any answer could be given, the strings of the 
tent door were let loose, in came a puflF of furious wind and rain, 
and our house of canvass, already tottering, starts off fii-st like a bal- 
loon, and then turns quietly over on her beam ends. And oh what 
a sight the lightning flashes revealed to us ! The camp was in the 
sea, or looked so, that is, what little was left of it — the storm was 
driving the breakers in upon us ; the sand-hills were sending down 
their torrents ', whole streets of tents were prostrate, yet kept in their 
order more or less perfectly by their fastenings — officers were run- 
ning here and there, in dress and undress, looking for the men ; the 
men were intent on saving their muskets and ammunition; and 
such a scene of confusion, yelling, screaming, laughing, swearing, is 
rarely to be found in a lifetime. My companion and myself, did 
the best we could under the circumstances ; we mounted guard over 
our effects, and as the wind would lull, we worked away at our 
treacherous mansion to right it, which we would have done a dozen 
times, but as the broad surface was presented to the wind, a fierce 
puff would destroy our labours. The '^ glorious 4th," never dawned 
upon so disconsolate a body of freemen as upon that occasion at 
Camp Vergara ; not a warrior but was wet and dirty, cold and hun- 
gry ; and, as not a dry stick of wood was to be found, or a place to 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 23 

make a fire, lie had to " chew the cud of sweet and bitter fancy" for 
many an hour before his palate was tickled with anything more 
nourishing. 

Duty calls me to the city daily, and besides my occupations in the 
camp, which are manifold, I am much engaged in getting supplies of 
medicines and hospital stores. The army surgeons stationed here, 
tell me they receive many cases of yellow fever daily ; that in good 
constitutions it is tractable, but very fatal to the debauched and 
reckless. In the cure, quinine in large doses is their sheet anchor. 
Several spacious churches are occupied as hospitals. 

Vera Cruz has a dilapidated look, independent of the battering it 
received from the invaders ; many buildings yet show the shot-holes 
made by the combined forces of Scott and Perry. The houses are 
all of the old Spanish school, flat-roofed, or tiled, quadrangular, with 
their central courts and balconies. They are built of brick or coral, 
and whitened. At the landing is a noble mole, over which are now 
suspended huge canvass awnings. You enter the city from the sea 
by the mole and an arched gateway passing under the middle of the 
custom-house, a splendid edifice for this country. Then you have 
before you the grand plaza, which ought to be daguerreotyped with 
the motley crowd that enlivens it. '' Horse, foot, and dragoons," 
wagons, carts, artillery-carriages, mules, donkeys, greasers, soldiers, 
sailors, drunken men, Indian women, boys, musicians, and all kinds 
of adventurers jostle each other, so that it requires no trifling care to 
steer your course through them in safety. Out of the great plaza 
the town looks comparatively dull, except towards the gate leading 
to the camp, and there two human currents are generally to be 
found. The city is completely and closely walled; a great disad- 
vantage to it in point of health, for the wall obstructs ventilation; 
one may constantly enjoy in upper stories an invigorating, health- 
bringing sea-breeze, while in the streets and on ground-floors, not a 
breath of air is stirring. Adios. 



24 EL PUCHERO, OR 



LETTER IV. i 

Peak of Orizaba — Castle of San Juan — Fare in Camp — Fruits — Sand-flies ; 
and Mosquitoes — A Courier — Rumours — Sickness — Abduction of an; 
Officer. 

Camp Vergara (near Vera Cruz), July. 

Coming into the harbour of Vera Cruz, two remarkable objects' 
strike the eye — Orizaba and the Castle of San Juan de Uloa. I ' 
know not in what terms to commemorate the first view of the former. : 
From the moment my eyes rested on it, I threw aside worthy Gil ; 
Bias to gaze on this brilliant monument of the almighty Architect. ' 
What can be conceived more dazzling, startling, and grand, than an ; 
immense snow pyramid, looming up eighteen thousand feet above '• 
your level, rearing its lofty head far above the clouds? You see no; 
base, no pedestal, but it towers aloft like the conception of Michael j 
Angelo in regard to the Pantheon, "I will suspend it in middle! 
air;" and with its huge base and sides girdled with vapour, one I 
might fancy that He ''who holds the earth in the hollow of his 
hand" held aloft the hoary peak of Orizaba. 

The sight of it, however grand, is not always most grateful to the ■ 
mariner; for glorious as it is, particularly when first impinged by the 
rays of the morning's sun, to the eye of the practised seaman it 
bodes disaster. A clear view of it is one of the forerunners of a ■ 
storm, as we, indeed, experienced. ] 

The Castle of San Juan, a great work in its way, ought scarcely '. 
to be mentioned on the same page with Orizaba; it is at best but a 
work of art, and who compares art with nature? the created being 
and his works with the Creator and His? The great castle, the • 
object of so much speculation before it fell, is now in the hands of ; 
our troops, and they have found in it another Augean stable. Dis- \ 
ease is rife there, and more fatal to the conquerors than the fii*e of : 
the enemy. j 

You must give me the liberty of being discursive, and to write i 
always what comes uppermost ; my bump of order and arrangement I 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 25 

is much smaller than some others that are less valuable. I transport 
you from the harbour to my tent, where you will find my friend 
probably having the dinner-table set. The most fastidious can find 
no fault with our table linen, silver or glass, whatever may be said 
of the cookery and tin cups. Behold the dinner ! One heavy bos is 
set in the middle of the tent and has two smaller ones for flankers. 
That's the chairs and table. Here comes an attendant with some 
rashers of pork, a dish of beans, some fried plantains, and hard tack, 
i. e. pilot bread. "No fresh meat to-day?" ''No, sir, none to be 
had." ''I saw chickens and eggs in camp, why did you not buy 
some?" ''All bought up long before they got here," responds our 
cook, major domo, and valet de chanibre. Well, we turn to, "with 
what appetite we may," when, inquiring hopelessly if there's nothing 
else, our accomplished attendant informs us that he has some soup 
in the background. "Better late than never," bring it on; and 
here it comes, sturdy bean soup ; a pint of it would nourish a citizen- 
gentleman for a week. It is coarse but wholesome; so we make no 
faces, nor even comment on its coming by way of dessert. But we 
have something better. The water is very warm, and we fish up a 
bottle of claret to cool it. Directly, here comes an Indian woman 
with fruit; will take some of her maumee apples that are no apples 
at all, some alligator pears as like as the apples, and some bananas, 
the fruit of the tropics. The alligator pears (somewhat pear-shaped, 
but not otherwise resembling that fruit) are delicious; they are called 
with more propriety vegetable marrow,* and may be eaten either 
scooped out from the skin and sprinkled with pepper and salt, or 
spread on a slice of bread in place of butter. 

Now after an average dinner, or perhaps something better, we will 
sit awhile in the shade, under our own vine and fig-tree, with the 
tent door tied back, and the whole establishment looped up from 
below to let the sea-breeze pass through, and to drive off" the sand- 
flies. These little creatures are equal to any of the plagues of 
Egypt; they get into your nose, ears and mouth, bite your face, neck 
and fingers, and keep faithfully on duty until relieved at night by 

* By the Spaniards, aguacdte. 
3 



26 EL PUCHERO, OR 

mosquitoes. Then for the music; tattoo is nothing to it. Speaking 
of petty nuisances, I must not overlook the sand-crab. The beach 
is full of them ; you will find a dozen of their holes under your bed, 
and you must take care at night of fingers and toes, for they some- 
times seize them with the force of a pair of nippers. 

Well, after dinner, you can smoke your cigar and look around in 
your neighbours' tents; there's some aristocrat still at dinner when 
it is near one o'clock; he drinks out of hrttannia instead of a tin cup, 
and has his dinner on a barrel-head, while he sits on a camp-stool. 
What ostentation ! 

Now a courier, a rara avis, passes through the camp to the city. 
When the sun declines a little we will follow him in for the news. 
A thousand rumours are afloat, generally spread, doubtless, by the 
Mexicans, and, perhaps, generally believed by them. Disasters and 
defeats crowd upon us. All the parties that lately left here to join 
the main army have been cut up. Their specie wagons, ammunition, 
and provisions have fallen into the hands of the enemy. It is hard to 
conceive a situation where it is so hard to get at the truth; we are 
surrounded by enemies, who take the greatest pains to spread bad 
news, and to conceal all that we wish to learn. The last information 
was that General Cadwalader had been overwhelmed and captured, 
and that General Pillow, who went to the rescue, shared his fate. 
We have no means of knowing how far these reports are true, but 
we believe them to be exaggerations and misrepresentations. In 
addition, sickness is spreading rapidly in the camp. We have a 
scorching sun during the day, and rain every night, from neither of 
which the tents give adequate protection. The men spread their 
blankets on the sand at night, but the water passes freely under 
them, besides the leakage of the tent, which is very great. The 
consequence is, we are beset with camj) dysentery, a disease well 
known in all armies, especially on southern service. The diet is not 
adapted to the climate, and the water is unendurable, or would be if 
men were not obliged to drink something. The sick list, as may be 
supposed, grows rapidly; in one week the patients under my care 
rose from thirty to upwards of one hundred. We are, however, 
exempt from the vomito. A popular remedy in dysentery is a cold 



A Mixed dish from Mexico. 27 

infusiou of the Cactus Opiintia (prickly pear), of which the men 
make a mucilaginous drink like benne, or gum water; it does not 
cure, though it has a favourable influence on the disease. 

There has been great excitement in the camp in the last few days, 
from an officer, the adjutant of the 14th Infantry, having fallen into 
the hands of the Mexicans. He was walking out of the city, ac- 
companied by a single soldier, when they were attacked by a party 
of ranrheros, the soldier knocked down, a musket snapped at his 
head, and the officer captured after a desperate resistance. This 
happened within pistol-shot of the walls of Vera Cruz. The soldier 
made his escape and gave the information, when various parties went 
in pursuit, but they returned without any success. It is supposed 
the officer has been murdered.* 

Let us put off our trip to the city to another day. We will rise 
betimes in the morning, take a sea-bath in the breakers, and then 
and there enjoy the only luxury known at Camp Vergara. 



LETTER V. 



Rumours corrected — Naval Service on the Coast — Malaria — Shops and 
Shopkeepers in Vera Cruz — Public Buildings — Preparations for Depar- 
ture — Breaking Mules — Ambulances^ — Alarms — The Brigade moves for 
the Interior. 

Camp near Vera Cruz, July. 
The news of Cadwalader's defeat proved to be entirely false ; that 
officer did not reach the main body of the army without considerable 
skirmishing, but so far as we can learn, he has overcome all obstacles. 
Such is the fii-st information we got on our visit to Vera Cruz. He 
ought to have been defeated, no doubt; and the Mexicans, by a 
figure of speech not described in rhetoric, said he was. 

* This gentleman, Lieutenant Whipple, was set at liberty at the end of 
the war. His fortunes during nearly a year of captivity were very varied. 



28 EL PUCHERO, OR 

The naval squadron on the coast is doing very efl&cient service, 
though less conspicuous than that done by the army. Commodore 
Perry, than whom there is not a more gallant or energetic officer in 
either service, has just returned in the steamer Mississippi from the 
capture of Tobasco. This is not a war favourable to naval distinc- 
tion, yet the navy has to bear a heavy portion of the most arduous 
duties. There is no more trying duty than blockading ; — spending 
weeks or months standing on and off shore ; looking constantly upon 
a soil where you are not allowed to plant your foot ; suffering for 
want of water and fresh provisions, with all the dangers of the sea, 
and a lee shore ever in prospect ; no naval forces to contend with, and 
not allowed to strike a blow landward — these are some of the troubles 
of blockading. Then a bright look-out must be kept to see that no 
adventurer from beyond seas eludes your vigilance, and carries "aid 
and comfort" to the enemy. Now our sturdy tars have to expose 
their lives to a more fearful enemy than Mexican soldiery ; every 
river has to be explored, and every port taken; the stars and stripes 
are to wave over all the battlements that guard the sea-shore. All 
service in the tierras calientes, the scoix-hing lowlands, is fruitful in 
disease and death, and the river courses abound in deadly malaria. 
The garrisons of the enemy are of little importance, compared with 
the fell power that deals so lightly with those who have been born 
under its influence, and so fatally with the stranger. It takes stout 
hearts to face such dangers, where it may be said there are no com- 
mensurate honours. The Mexicans, indeed, have said emphatically 
that the vomito would soon end the war, by sweeping off both army 
and navy. 

My occupations do not allow me any intercourse with the Vcra- 
cruzanos, so I cannot say much about them. I occasionally make 
small purchases from the shopkeepers, who have one peculiarity 
common to their tribe everyM^here, that is, to make strangers pay 
prices that ought to cover all losses from home-dealers. The shops 
throughout the town occupy the ground-floor, while the upper stories 
are used as dwellings. It is amusing to read the signs and adver- 
tisements ; — Joneses, and Smitlis, and Johnsons, and Thompsons are 
planted in and among Crapauds, and Ximenes, and Garcias, Rodri- 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 29 

guez, and Minas. For languages, Vera Cruz may be considered at 
present a miniature Babel. 

All the public buildings are in the service of our officials : the 
quartermaster's department alone occupies a large portion of them. 
Time is now so precious, and sickness spreading so rapidly, that the 
most active exertions are being made to get our brigade on its way ; 
but we have a large train to escort up, of provisions and ordnance 
stores, and as yet we have no teams to haul them. There are, to 
be sure, a thousand or fifteen hundred mules in the camp for the 
purpose J but it is as hard to make a wild mule draw as to make a 
horse drink, the difficulty of which has passed into a proverb. You 
may see at any time on the long white beach a hundred wagons, with 
a team of mules and a double team of men to each, some going for- 
wards in a run, some in a trot, some backwards, and some sideways ; 
every way but the right way. The mules go kicking, sprunting, 
rearing, pitching, running, backing, braying, all without rhyme or 
reason ; and although it looks like a frolic to the spectators, it is 
anything else to those concerned. Several of the men have been 
kicked into disability for the campaign. The ambulances and some 
important wagons have teams of trusty northern horses. The am- 
bulances, light four-horse wagons on springs, invented, as you know, 
by Baron Larrey, for the benefit of the wounded of the grande armee, 
are already kept very busy, carrying the sick from the camp to the 
general hospitals in the city. I am exceedingly harassed by my 
duties, not only attending to the sick, which keeps me constantly 
exposed to the broiling sun, but also in providing stores for them, 
giving or refusing sick tickets, &c. My fellow voyageur and late 
chum was assigned a place on the personal staff of the general, and 
for a time I was alone ; but again I have a companion, whose intel- 
ligence and energy is likely to relieve my labours. These extend 
far beyond the command to which I am properly attached. 

We have had, on more than one occasion, night alarms; indeed, 
nearly every night some raw sentinel imagines an enemy in a bush, 
and startles us by his fii'e. Once we had a general commotion — 
drums beat, and all hands called. Two sentinels gave the alarm at 
once — "Who goes there? — Speak, or I fire!" No answer. The 

3* 



30 EL PUCHERO, OR 

same is repeated twice, no answer given, and two muskets are dis- 
charged at once. The guards are formed immediately, and the entire 
camp as soon as possible. The sentinels swore to seeing persons 
prowling around in the bushes, how many they could not say. The 
poor fellows indeed were very much exposed; they were on the 
picket guard, on the hilltops, and their forms projecting against the 
sky were good marks for invisible giierrilleros. The bushes were 
beat, and no enemy found. Some days later, a poor half-starved 
white donkey was seen in search of water, badly crippled in the legs. 
Whether he was a spy or wai'rior, this deponent does not pretend 
to say. 

I must be drawing to a close my last letter from this place. We 
are imder what is called afloat '^sailing orders," that is, we strike 
tents with the morning's dawn, and take up the line of march for 
the interior. We are told the road is strewed with dead bodies ; 
and I for one confess to going off with no light heart. Some of us 
— or may it be all ? — will return no more to this our place of ren- 
dezvous. We leave home, happiness, and health behind us, to 
penetrate with hostile intent the land of the stranger. It looks like 
going into ''exterior darkness," — but allons! I chose my own pro- 
fession and my own course; then "let fate do her worst," I mount 
my charger and pursue my line of duty. 

Here we are, on the morning of the IGth, some twenty-five hun- 
dred men, new and old troops, artillery, dragoons, marines, infantry, 
regulars and volunteers, belonging to, filling up, and completing 
various regiments now in the interior. The men are all under arms ; 
the advance is off, dragoons and artillery ; then the trains, ordnance 
wagons first, with their flankers. There they go, yet so slowly that 
it will take hours to get fairly under way ; men fall in the ranks, 
overpowered by heat, and the weight and constriction of their belts, 
muskets, and knapsacks. Those who are waiting suffer much moi"e 
than their brethren in motion. At last, after many hours, the rear- 
guard moves — the marines, accompanied by one piece of artillery. 
Good bye ; I cannot loiter. A single ambulance and a few fallen 
stragglers are all that remain on the beach, this morning so popu- 
lous. I must send you this by the last chance, see the sick stowed, 
and follow the fortunes of the army. 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 31 



LETTER VI. 

A Sick Army — Insubordination of an Important Portion of it — A Night on 
the Road— The Bivouac — Trouble with Horses — Santa Fe— Wild Cattle — 
Lancers — Breakfast — The Road — Weariness of the Men — They throw 
off Incumbrances — Transporting the Sick — San Juan, or the Mud-Hole. 

San .Juan, July. 

Having sent back our most unpi-omising cases to the hospitals at 
Vera Cruz, the remainiug sick were supposed to be able to shoulder 
their muskets, and march with the column ; being allowed such in- 
dulgences as their condition required and the nature of the circum- 
stances would permit. It proves an uphill business though, I assure 
you; in our little command, I prescribe for at least one hundred 
persons daily, of whom some ninety-eight are cases of dysentery. 
Other surgeons have still more ; and I hazard nothing in saying, that 
out of our brigade of twenty-five hundred men, fifteen hundred are 
sufiering more or less from that disease. 

The fii'st night, oi route, we had some experience in a soldier's life; 
the road for three leagues out from Vera Cruz, is of deep sand, and 
very heavy ; the mules, at first, seemed willing to do their part, and 
half broken as they are, worked faithfully, but some slight hills over- 
came their good intentions ; first, they would pause, then start, then 
stop still. Now came coaxing, swearing, and pounding from the 
drivers, but it would not do; when the leaders would pull, the 
wheel horses wouldn't; when the wheelers were willing, the leaders 
would turn short round in the road. Directly, one starts to pull 
honestly, and all the rest hold back; now the refractory parties are 
coaxed or whipped in, and the one that had just set such a good ex- 
ample stops stock still, to kick for a good half hour. When such 
a cont?'e-femj)s happens in a narrow pass, all of the train in the rear 
is brought to a dead halt ; the advance moves on, and thus the train 
becomes extended for miles along the road. There was but one way 
of getting the wagons up the hills, and that was to double the teams, 



82 EL PUCHERO, OR 

which was accordingly done, but it was slow work, and night caught 
the rear-guard not three miles from their starting-place. We had 
two hours of moonlight, and thought not of rest while we could 
use our eyes ; we were yet in the tierras calientcf<, the domains of 
the grim ogre, El Vomifo, and it behooved us to move onward while 
we could. But darkness put an end to our labours, and at about 
eleven o'clock, we received orders to bivouac where we stood. Here 
was a prospect of comfort. No one knew where to find tent, bed, 
or provisions. I started forward to look for the wagon that carried 
my scant equipage, and soon found myself in a gvilly flanked by 
tied and loose mules, all ready to use their heels on the least provo- 
cation ; and not choosing to encounter such a battery, I made a 
hasty retreat. Returning to the regiment, I found the men stretched 
out on the road ; some talking, some munching bread and bacon 
from their haversacks (neither officers nor men had had either din- 
ner or supper), and some already in the arms of the god of the wearied 
and sleepy, sending up to him such hymns of praise and thanks, as 
only true votaries, the heaviest sleepers, can send. 

Such of us as were mounted, had our peculiar troubles. What 
was to be done with the horses ? The men were fagged out, for 
though they had made but a short march, they had put their shoulders 
to the wheel, literally, having spent hours in helping the train along. 
We, of course, could not call on them for assistance. Our own atten- 
dants were wuth our respective wagons, and probably ensconced 
therein, invisible and intangible. We groped about in the dark, and 
tied our horses to the bushes. Bah ! these tropical twigs are so suc- 
culent as to be mere water-tubes — they broke like pipe-stems. But 
we could not stand up all night, so we blundered about through the 
undergrowth in search of something to make fast to, when we came 
to a palisade around a deserted hut, and there wc tied our four- 
footed companeros. We took off the saddles, and calling the atten- 
tion of a sentinel (for both picket and camp-guards were posted) to 
their position, with the saddles as pillows, we threw ourselves down 
on the damp ground under cover of the broad canopy of heaven. It 
was an uneasy rest we had, begirt as we were with belts and bands, 
for all carried haversacks and canteens, besides their arms; then the 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 33 

horses took to fretting, some broke loose and came trotting in and 
among us, to the great danger of heads, legs, and arms, there ex- 
posed. They were caught and secured, in the darkness, with no 
little difficulty. The worst part of the story won't bear telling; the 
army was infected with an infirmity that made beds, taken in the 
dark, apt to be as uncomfortable as they were unsavoury. 

Morning dawned at length ; bugles sounded, drums beat, and the 
first rays of light found the column under arms, and the advance in 
motion. By the time the sun became oppressive, the marines, form- 
ing the rear-guard, had reached Santa Fe, — a deserted hamlet three 
leagues from Vera Cruz. Here the General called a halt, to let the 
men rest in the shade during the heat of the day. Some wild cattle, 
belonging to Santa Anna — for the soil and all thereon for thirty miles 
on either side of the road are his — had been shot by the marksmen, 
and we were regaled on fresh beef, cooked while the flesh was still 
quivering with the last vibrations of life. A party of some hun- 
dreds of lancers was seen reconnoitering, and not knowing but that 
it was an advance from a larger force, the troops were drawn up and 
the dragoons ordered out to meet them. They did not seem to desire 
any close acquaintance, however, but fled as fast as their horses 
could carry them. Pui'suit was not to be thought of, as the Gene- 
ral's first object was to reach the main body of the army, by last ac- 
counts at Puebla. 

Our beef-steak and cofiiee breakfasts, and some hours of rest in 
huts and under guava trees, had sufiiciently recruited the command 
for another start, and we came on in comparatively good style to 
this place, about seven leagues from Vera Cruz. The road was high 
and level from Santa Fe, with the firmness of paving, though un- 
paved. We crossed some ravines, or water-courses, now dry, on 
good bridges, and swamps on excellent cahadas, or causeways. 
The sun was very powerful, and the men, all debilitated by the few 
weeks spent in this enervating climate, suffered severely — they 
threw off" their incumbrances, first watch-coats, then extra garments, 
then knapsacks, blankets, many of them — in short, threw away 
everything but arms and accoutrements. The road was strewed 
with enough for the outfit of a regiment. I felt for the poor fellows, 



34 EL PUCIIERO, OR 

and in common with other officers, frequently had tlicir knapsacks 
and other valuables, laid in the troughs behind the wagons. It was 
noticeable that the waste was on the part generally of Americans 
and Irish — rarely or never did a Grerman throw off his pack. 
Whether they were less exhausted by the climate, or only more pro- 
vident than the others, is more than I can say. The sick had a 
trying time of it ; the burdens of nearly all of them were stowed in 
the wagons, but they fell by dozens, or hundreds, I should say, by 
the roadside. We put as many of them in the ambulances as they 
would hold, and when possible, we would put a man on top of the 
stores in the overladen wagons, but they fell too fast for us, and all 
we could do at last, Avas to recommend to them to hold on to the 
tails of the wagons. 

Late at night the rear, still the gallant marines, reached this 
camp-ground, which the men, with sufficient reason, call " The Mud- 
hole." You have traversed " The Shades of Death" on the National 
Road, but they are cheerful compared to San Juan. The site is 
low and swampy, the undergrowth almost impenetrable, and in the 
midst of woods we can scarcely find two dry sticks to make a fire. 
The whole camp is knee-deep in mud, inside of the tents as well as 
out. The men sleep in mud and water. 

For myself, I have two boxes in my tent, and a stretcher between 
them for a bed. The stretcher is a piece of canvass, six feet long, 
with longer poles at the sides — that is, it is a sort of hand-litter for 
carrying the wounded oif the field. Don't be envious, although I 
sleep high and dry, I cannot turn out except in the mud. Is the 
''mud-hole" a misnomer? 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 35 



LETTER VII. 

Rain and Mud — Ticks and Mosquitoes — Life in the AVoods most pleasant 
when Viewed from a Distance — Cause of Detention — Lomo — Skirmishing 
— Men Wounded — Invisible Enemies — Tolom6 — Lights and Shadows — 
National Bridge— A Bit of an Action — Natural Advantages for Defence — 
Scenery, like Harper's Ferry — The River Antigua — Bathing — A Lurking 
Enemy — Arrival at Plan del Rio. 

In Camp, Plan del Rio, July. 

It was no easy matter to get away from San Juan, toatcr-logged 
as we were, but it was ruinous to stay ; so by a vigorous effort, we 
succeeded in getting the trains under way after a sojourn there of a 
day and two nights. It rained heavily a great portion of the time, 
and we were beset by insects, as mosquitoes and ticks, — a little var- 
mint so small that it fixes on you without attracting your notice, 
until, full of blood, with its head buried in your flesh, you see it on 
some portion of your person, as large and as round and as red as a 
cherry. 

This is the vaunted "life in the woods;" about equal in charms 
to that '^ on the ocean wave." Having tried both, I fancy the 
poet-authors like the French philosopher, who could only write 
about " verdant meadows and babbling brooks" when in his garret 
in Paris, looking over a thousand tiled roofs and smoke-pipes ; 
whereas, when he would paint the charms of city life, it had to be 
done at some rural retreat far from the haunts of man. Is there no 
enchantment but that that distance lends ? 

You may ask, what detained us at such a spot ? The answer is 
easily given. The men and the teams reached there incredibly 
jaded; unaccustomed to such work as they were, and with so much 
sickness, the entire brigade was fairly stalled. The mud was deep 
and slippery; the tents, &c., acquired a double weight from the 
rain ; without the day's rest the teams bid fair to break down alto- 
gether. 

The day's march from San Juan brought vis to Lomo, where we 



36 EL PUCHERO, OR 

encamped on the brow and sides of a high hill, surrounding the re- 
mains of a once famous vcnta and bakery. Over against us, on a 
neighbouring hill-side, stood the ruins of an old church, that had 
also been used in its day as garrison and fortress. We had on the 
march a taste of guerrilla fight; divers escopets had been fired on 
the columns indiscriminately, from the hands of invisible enemies, 
concealed in the dense chaparral. Several of our men were 
wounded, one poor fellow, a dragoon, so badly as to require ampu- 
tation at the shoulder joint. He and the others are all doing well, 
however. Some shots were returned on the part of our troops, but 
with what effect is not known. 

Another day brought us to Tolome ; our friends, the guerrilleros, 
still sending us some of their tokens, when, like the kid on the 
precipice, they could be brave with impunity. Towards night a 
party of them, mounted, was seen dogging the rear — there were no 
dragoons at hand to pursue them, but a well-directed round or two 
from a piece of light artillery, soon relieved us of their company. 
Tolome has somewhat the air of a town ; it has, to be sure, its com- 
plement of reed huts, but then it has its square or "plaza^ upon 
which are several respectable tenements. They are long, low, one- 
story houses, plastered and white, with tile roofs and ample piazzas. 
In the plaza the artillery was parked, and the houses were occupied 
by the officers. It was a beautiful moonlight night ; we had for 
the first time, music by a band ; the smiths were busy at their fires 
repairing tires and traces, and I cannot tell you how cheerful the 
ringing of their hammers sounded ; the men had begun to improve 
in health and spirits, and from the long lines of their transparent 
dwellings were heard lively songs and peals of laughter ; — the whole 
was so like a gay panorama, that one might have fancied himself 
in a Coliseum, admiring the handiwork of a skilful artist, who by 
the illusion of music and transparencies gave to his work the reality 
of life. 

We found ourselves getting into the region of hills, a pleasant 
change from the lowlands nearer the sea-shore, and after a hard 
day's march from Tolome, we came to repose for the night at the 
Puente Kacional, or National Bridge, once known as the King's 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 37 

(del Re If). Our advance met with a warm reception from some 
guerrilleros who had planted themselves under shelter, on almost in- 
accessible hill-tops. We expected an engagement here, and great 
was the excitement among those in the rear when by the peals of 
the artillery and volleys of small arms we learned it had com- 
menced. Every man wanted to rush forward, but this was not 
admissible ; the immense train (of between two and three hundred 
wagons) had to be protected, and those in charge could not desert it. 
The skirmish waxed quite warm for a while, but shortly the fires 
began to slacken and then cheers, long and loud, resounded along 
the line. When we got in, we found our people in possession of the 
heights ; a number had been wounded, none killed, and the Greneral 
himself had escaped with a ball through his hat. It would be diffi- 
cult to find a place better suited for defence than the National 
Bridge. It is approached by a long, narrow, winding road, through 
defiles readily overlooked and commanded ; and the bridge itself is 
in a deep wild ravine, which can only be left by roads ascending 
obliquely, and enclosed on all sides by rough, precipitous hills. 
The scenery is majestic — reminding me forcibly of Harper's Ferry, 
though more primitive. I called the attention of my veteran 

friend. Major G -, of the artillery, to this resemblance, he being 

like myself familiar with the picturesque grandeur of the latter 
place, and he fully coincided with me in opinion. 

The bridge is a noble structure, a monument of the old Spanish 
7-egime. The village boasts of its ample hotel, and near at hand is 
a palace-looking building, which is one of the many country-seats of 
the autocrat, Santa Anna. In the street were found the remains of 
an American soldier, killed there during a late action (for every 
passing train has had to fight its way at this point), and most proba- 
bly under General Cadwalader, who fought his way through at night 
The soldier had not been stripped, and his fleshless bones were, 
sticking through his pantaloons, held together only by wasted 
sinews and dried ligaments. Our troops did not leave without 
laying him in his last resting-place, on the banks of the river 
Antigua. 

Officers and men took advantage of this fine stream, which looks 

4 



38 EL PUCHERO, OR 

like our own Shenandoah, to wash off some of the soil accumulated 
on our persons during the march ; and thus refreshed, we resumed 
our onward course. 

The day's march brought us to Plan del Rio, sixteen miles from 
the bridge. The rear got a parting shot from unseen enemies as 
they started ; the advance had the same reception on their arrival 
at the camp-ground. On the way, we heard that sixteen hundred 
men were hovering around, to take us at a disadvantage and do 
what damage they could. T do not know whether it was a false 
alarm, or whether they considered their opportunity wanting. Our 
numbers, and yet more, our artillery, kept them at a respectful 
distance. It is thought by persons whose opportunities enabled 
them to judge, that no open or general attack will be made on this 
column, though we may and do hear, daily, some few exchanges of 
shots. They have in such cases the trifling advantage of being 
hidden and sheltered ; while we, bound to keep to the open road, 
afford them a fair mark to try their skill on. 



LETTER VIII. 



Difficulty of Maintaining a Correspondence — Rancheros — Topography of 
Plan del Eio, Streams and Bridges — The Escopet — A Barricade — Bridge 
Destroyed — A Hard Bed — Cutting a Road — Approach Cerro Gordo — Re- 
flections, uncalled for — Ascent of the Mountain — Advantages for Defence 
— Dismantled Guns — Change of Scene. 

In Camp (near Jalapa), July. 
You see, I continue my letters faithfully, though without know- 
ing how or when they can be forwarded. We have no communica- 
tion in either direction. Not a wayfarer is to be seen on the road ; 
nor have we seen hut or house tenanted. All progress is in one 
direction — all the tracks go into the lion's den; none can be traced 
returping. Rut even Reynard's cunning would fail here, for there 



A MIXED DISH PROM MEXICO. 39 

are huutsineu ou the track behind us, ready at once to pick up spoils 
or cut oS stragglers. If any of our men were to find themselves, 
like friend Talbot in Japhet, with a stout heart mounted on treach- 
erous legs, that would carry tltem back in sj^ite of themselves, they 
would fall certain victims to the rancheros^ on our trail. 

Plan del Rio is a plain traversed by two streams within half a 
mile of each other; the first of which is a mere brook, and the 
second, a small river, with a depth of some two or three feet in dry 
weather; during the season of rains, however, it becomes a roaring 
torrent — fills to overflowing its deep canal-like bed, the sides of 
which have a perpendicular depth of upwards of twenty feet. Both 
of these streams have (had) massive stone bridges of a structure, 
asre jperennuis, intended to rival the days of the great destroyer, 
Time. As our advance reached the first, descending a long hill by 
a very rough road cut down the hillside, and overlooked by preci- 
pices inaccessible except by a long circuit through dense under- 
growth, they found it heavily barricaded. Shots were exchanged with 
the guerrilla-men, and the train stopped until the barricades could 
be removed. One or two companies were despatched in pursuit of 
the enemy, who was "non est inventus." The object, on their part, 
was not to meet our troops, but to harass and annoy them — to kill, 
maim, or cripple as much as possible, with little or no exposure 
on the part of the assailants. Their principal arm, the escopeta 
or carbine, has a very long range, and sends a ball nearly the size 
of a grapeshot; it has not the accuracy of a rifle, to be sure, but 
that is not important where a host of men is known to occupy a 
certain extent of road, and the enemy can plant himself behind a 
bluff" or tree, half a mile or a mile off", and his position entirely con- 
cealed by the chaparral. Clearing away the barricade, occupied no 
great deal of time, but a more serious cause of detention was soon 
discovered. Among the thousand rumours we had heard at Vera 
Cruz, was one that the Mexicans had destroyed all the bridges. 
And now, indeed, we found the remains of a noble structure ; its 

* Country people, inhabitants of the ranchos. They follow the various 
occupations of herdsmen, farmers, and highwaymen, indiscriminately. 



40 EL PUCHERO, OR 

buttresses and pillars standing firm on the banks and in the midst 
of the stream, but the arches gone, and the signs of destruction evi- 
dently recent. The river bank was as steep and as clean cut to a 
perpendicular depth of twenty feet, as if it had been the work of 
pick and spade, though the hand of man had not been there. What 
was to be done — were we to build a new bridge ? Impracticable. 
Were we to offer libations to Jupiter and Mars, and wait for them 
to help us out of the scrape and over the river, or should we sensibly 
take the hack track, satisfied with the distinguished services we had 
already rendered ? I don't know that the General thought of either 
of these expedients, unless it was to offer iip the libations, which I 
am sure all of our pious and gallant fellows did, who had it in their 
power. This done, it was represented that with our force, a road 
might be shortly cut down obliquely to the water's edge, and that 
the river could be forded. By this time night had come upon us, 
and after despatching a homely meal, a dinner-supper of bread, beef, 
and coffee, we went in pursuit of the '' sweet restoi-er." The wagons 
were not parked as usual, but kept of necessity their positions along 
the road; and many of us having no tents in convenient distance, 
had to look for shelter, or sleep without it. In common with a 
number of officers, I took refuge under one of the arches of the fii'st 
bridge, and thus saved a ducking, as it came on to rain terribly 
during the night. I may remark though, en j^^ii^sanf, that the 
shelter did us no good ; for lying on the cold stones, and exposed to 
the draught through the arches, many of us took severe colds, which 
was not the case when we slept in tents or in the open air. The 
morning's sun found the men diligently engaged with pick and 
shovel on the new road. They were superintended by the engineers 

and some officers. Captain B , particularly, from " down east," 

who certainly had a natural turn for everything. The work went 
on rapidly, and by nightfall the whole train was on the other side, 
and hard by the base of Cerro Gordo. Now this road was cut by 
las Yanquces with less labour than it had cost the Mexicans to de- 
stroy their noble bridge. The destruction, too, was accompanied by 
loss of life, some of the workmen having been caught in the fall, it 
was said; some human remains having been found in the ruins. 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 41 

The Mexicans had argued that, as the Americans were coming up 
during the rainy season, they would find the I'iver impassable ; but 
it so happened that the rains set in very late, and the river had not 
yet felt their influence. It is not likely though, that even a Mexi- 
can flood would have stopped the march of "progressive" Jonathan. 
It is true, we would have been detained longer, and thus have given 
more time for the collection of a force at the pass of Cerro Gordo, if 
such wei"e the plan. The Greneral ordered a company of dragoons 
forward in the night for reconnoissauce, or to take possession of the 
heights j they were misled, however, in the darkness, and did not 
reach the impartant position. The column started at daylight, and 
as we were creeping up the movmtain, there was more than ordinary 
silence, every man seeming to be buried in his own reflections. My 
own were somewhat as follows ; what others were thinking of, I cannot ' 
say : — "■ Well, Mister , here's a battle before you — and, com- 
batant or non-combatant, you may be sent to settle your last ac- 
counts. Don't you think you were very sapient to leave your happy, 
quiet home, in the valley of Virginia, to come wandering over these 
rivers, plains, and mountains, where you have no business; to be 
killed by the hands of an enemy with whom you have had no quar- 
rel, or to die of the pestilential diseases of his climate? Suppose 
you are killed, will your country mourn your loss ? Pshaw ! nobody 
but the little home-circle will remember that you ever lived six 
months hence. Suppose, after hair-breadth 'scapes you survive, 
what honours are in store for you? A Major-Greuerars commission? 
No. A Colonel's? No. Even a Major's? No — ^no. No brevets, 
no honours. If you carry home a broken limb, or a broken consti- 
tution, maybe your pension will keep you and yours from starving — 
Oh L — d!" (Aloud.) " Steward, are your bandages and dressings 
in order, and where you can get at them ?" " All ready, sir." 
"That's right." Then the current of thought stakes a wholesome 
change towards the duties likely to be required. But my reflections 
were uncalled for. If batteries had been planted at many available 
points, our slowly ascending column, with its heavy train, might 
have been raked from stem to stern, and the troops mowed down by 
regiments. We fully expected a severe conflict, and after all, "out 

4* 



42 EL PUCHERO, OR 

crept a mouse ;" a few escopetas were discharged on the advance, a 
volley of musketry returned, and light troops sent in pursuit, but 
unsuccessfully. The road for miles approaching Cerro Gordo, would 
be impassable if defended by staunch troops ; but since the two chiefs 
tried their strength there, and the American triumphed, the point 
has been abandoned. To have an idea of the advantages of the de- 
fenders, you must know that the mountain is marked by a deep 
ravine, that rends it from summit to base, enlarging and deepening 
as it descends. This offered a sort of natural road to the top of the 
mountain, but a stream of water occupies its bed generally, and 
grows to a torrent during the rains. The road was, therefore, very 
judiciously cut along the side of the ravine, making a long continu- 
ous ascent, nowhere very steep. The lightest troops would find 
great difficulty in advancing at all, through biishes and over rocks, 
if they attempted ascending out of the road. The artillery, wagons, 
&c., are limited to the road absolutely; there is no other possible 
passage for them. The ascent is on the right side of the ravine; on 
the left, an escopet might be concealed behind every tree, looking 
down upon the road, and from half a mile to a mile distant. The 
trees would protect the enemy from our small arms, and the artillery 
could not be brought to bear on him to any advantage. But the great 
stronghold is at the summit, where batteries could be (and were, to 
receive Scott's army) placed most advantageously. The greater 
portion of the road is completely commanded from that point. The 
disadvantages of the invaders are obvious. I have not seen any de- 
tailed account of Scott's victory, but it certainly required a master 
mind to overcome such odds. Santa Anna's positions were well 
chosen, as is shown by the remaining breastworks and trenches, 
which extend from the road, across the head of the ravine, to the 
heights opposite. There are many heavy pieces of ordnance dis- 
mantled and useless, lying on the roadside, and hundreds of balls, 
grape and canister, shot and shells of all sizes. Leaving Cerro 
Gordo, our eyes were gladdened with the sight of tenanted houses 
and cultivated fields, — a happy change to him who emerges suddenly 
from the desert and the wilderness. 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 43 



LETTER IX. 



A Cup of Cold Water — Signs of Civilization — Losses on the way — Wreck of a 
Camp — Hacienda — An Officer Wounded — A Trap and a Chase — Jalapa — 
Admiring Spectators. 

Camp near Jalapa, July. 

The sight of the first rancho or hut occupied by human beinga 
was decidedly cheering ; though the inhabitants were but a poor old 
mestizo (half-breed) and his wife. They appeared to be quite des- 
titute, but offered in a spirit of Christian charity, all they had to 
give, a cup of cold water. It was nectar to many a parched and 
dusty throat, for the men always empty their canteens (three pints) 
very early in the day, and then, unless a stream or pond is found, 
pant for hours in the dust and sun without water. 

Cleared fields began to take the place of the wild chaparral* with 
its undergrowth of thorns and cactus ; enclosed grounds, domestic 
cattle, and fruit trees, betokened advanced civilization. We en- 
camped at night on the banks of a fine stream three leagues from 
Jalapa. The camp was much diminished in size, for on the march 
the teams failed so fast, that tents and tent-poles, bag and baggage, 
had been thrown out and left on the roadside, that the train might 
not be delayed. All the wagons had started with teams of six 
mules ; now few had more than four, and some but three ; the rest 
had died, or were turned out to die, on the road. I reached the 
camp-ground among the first, about the middle of the afternoon, 
and after waiting long and weary hours for my wagon, it came at 
last after dark, and you may judge of my vexation when it was 
announced to me that both tent and mess chest, supper and lodg- 
ings, had gone by the board. I went to look up my friends, and 

* Chaparral means properly a dense growth of stunted evergreen oaks, 
but it appears to be applied in Mexico to any low dense growth of any 
kind of trees or bushes. 



44 EL PUCIIERO, OR 

found the most of them but half a degree better off than myself. 
So many tents were missing, that all that were found had double or 
triple their complement ; many of them had no poles, and were 
hoisted on such sticks as could be found, making all sorts of figures, 
and as the once bleached canvass had taken all the hues that mud 
and dust, rain and smoke can give, the camp might have been sup- 
posed to belong to an army of gipsies. My chum, wider awake than 
myself, hired a Mexican camp-follower to take his donkeys and go 
back to the spot where the wagon had stalled, to bring forward 
whatever he could find ; and towards midnight he returned with the 
tent, and other articles of less importance. Meantime the usual 
shower had fallen, and when we pitched upon the wet grass there 
was nothing between us and it but an oiled sheet we carried with 
us, and it was indeed a treasure. On the opposite bank of the 
river is an extensive hacienda (an estate properly, but the word is 
commonly used to indicate the manor-house), and we are told the 
residents are not unfriendly. Since we came into a region where 
there is an ajjpearance of private property, the Greneral has forbidden 
the shooting of cattle, &c. Some officers, who had perhaps not yet 
received the order, went out in the afternoon to kill a beef; they 
ventured too far, were fired on themselves, and one of them severely 
wounded. The Mexicans escaped. — Upon our departure, the follow- 
ing morning, the General set a trap for the lurking warriors who kept 
so faithfully on our trail. A company of dragoons was concealed, 
with orders to wait, after the brigade had gone, long enough for 
these fellows to come up. Sure enough, when the rear-guard was 
just far enough off to descry the dust of a party of horse, it was 
seen; then there was a chase, a sort of steeple-chase, where none 
had ever been before ; but it would not do — they knew their ground 
and their fastnesses, and having detected from a distance that some 
little arrangements had been made for their benefit, they took to 
their heels in time to make a safe reti'eat. 

We marched through the outskirts of Jalapa, a picturesque, old- 
fashioned Spanish town, embowered in the midst of scenery of sur- 
passing magnificence. There is a beauty in the rugged mountains 
of the background that one can appreciate to the full when he has 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 45 

but recently left the wearisome flats of the tierras calicntes. Nature 
is clothed in a new aspect ; the very air, lately so dense and sufib- 
cating, is now pure, sharp, and bracing, and reminds you that you 
are coming into the tierras templadas, the favourite region of per- 
petual spring. Hundreds of people stood upon the wayside as we 
passed the town, to have a near view of los Yanquces, the barbarians 
from the North, and as it was on Sunday, the Jalcq)erios were 
decked in their best apparel, making themselves an array much 
more showy than that of the army. Fruits and flowers appear to 
be highly cultivated about the town ; and many trees, embraced, 
stem and branches, by flowering creepers, were beautiful in the ex- 
treme. 

I thought that garrisoning Jalapa would have been much better 
than going farther "to fare worse ;" but we are predestined to move 
onward ; the Commander-in-chief is no doubt anxiously awaiting his 
reinforcements, and we marched on to encamp some three miles 
nearer to his head-quarters. 



LETTER X. 



A Resting Spell — Intercourse with the Paisanos — A Market — Prices — 
Virtues of Spermaceti — Getting Supplies from the Town — Contrast be- 
tween the Dealings of the American and Mexican Troops with the Citi- 
zens — Fruits of Intemperance — A Soldier Killed — Horses Stolen — La 
Hoya — The Pass — How defended — Cadwalader's Encounter — Camp in a 
Basinful of Water — Climate Changes with Elevation — A Hard March to 
Perote. 

Camp near Perote, July. 
We all enjoyed a rest of a couple of days near Jalapa exceed- 
ingly. On the march, notwithstanding the exposure, sickness had 
abated considerably, and a little repose, in connexion with pure air 
and improved diet, recruited the men greatly in health and spirits. 



46 EL PUCHERO, OR 

The country people visited the camp iu great numbers, bringing 
with them for sale the various fruits and vegetables that the 
climate produces ; that is to say, the products of both the torrid 
and temperate zones. Apples, pears, peaches, bananas, plantains, 
zapote, a species of papaw, the aguacate, or alligator pear, cactus 
berries, and many other fruits, are all offered by one person, and 
collected in one vicinity. We had to pay pretty well for our 
luxuries, however ; we bought milk, for instance, at a medio the 
half pint, that is, one dollar a gallon ; eggs, from a ciiartiUo (three 
cents) to a medio (six and a quarter) each, and other things in 
proportion. Fortunately for those who had money, there was but 
a short allowance of it in camp, otherwise the prices would have 
advanced greatly. One fellow, who came to my tent with supplies, 
saw there the remnant of a sperm candle ; he appeared to have a 
great desire for it, and I gave it to him ; he then displayed a great 
eagerness to commence a barter for more, and upon inquiry, I found 
that spermaceti has the reputation in this region of being a sove- 
reign remedy for various pulmonary diseases. The Mexican gave 
his information with some reluctance, only coming out openly when 
he found he was talking to a medico, from whom he could get advice, 
if not candles, merely for the asking. 

Our time was not all given to rest. A train was sent to the town 
one morning for supplies ; and it was understood that a body of 
lancers was lying in wait to surprise it. Some four hundred 
men were consequently ordered out as an escort, and prevention 
proved better than cure, as no attack was made. We learn that the 
guerrilleros levy upon the town at will, taking what they please, and 
paying for nothing — they are, in fact, but organized plunderers of 
their own people. Our army must offer a remarkable contrast in 
the eyes of this distracted people — all private property taken by the 
Americans is honestly paid for, and at fair prices. Now and then, 
it happens that some act of violence or oppression is laid at the 
door of an American soldier, but injustice to the unarmed enemy 
is generally reprobated. Some trivial passes happened between 
individuals at Jalapa, and, iu one instance, at least, that came under 
my notice, the American was mortally wounded. It appeared that 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 47 

he neglected his duty as sentinel so far as to go to a low fonda, or 
tavern, where he drank freely, without the means of paying for his 
indulgence. This caused a quarrel; a party of Mexicans sur- 
rounded the soldier, who was becoming helplessly drunk, and one 
of them inflicted upon him several severe stabs, entering his liver 
and lungs, and causing death in about forty-eight hours. When 
brought to me, some hours after the afiray, he was still beastly 
drunk, and apparently without any idea of the extent of his inju- 
ries. Several ofiicers had their horses stolen during their short 
visit to the town. An unfortunate little black boy was severely 
beaten, and nearly killed, by a bold robber, who rode away in tri- 
umph on the noble steed the boy had in charge. 

A lot of fresh mules was bought for the trains at Jalapa, and 
taking up again the line of march, we arrived in good time at the 
hamlet of La Hoy a (the pit, or basin). Here G-eneral Cadwalader 
had a severe encounter. The road passes through a mountain gorge 
of most remarkable appearance, that looks really like a huge trap, 
set by the war god of the ancient inhabitants, to take in unwary 
invaders — he, good soul, had never heard of a northern tribe at 
present of some note, under the cognomen of Los Yanques. Pic- 
ture to yourself a deep river, with mountain shores narrowing 
towards a point like a fish-trap ; then do away with your river, and 
let a road occupy its bed ; make an imaginary disposition of troops, 
and you will place them on the sides and tops of the hills, pro- 
tected by their elevation, the trees, and their breastworks, where a 
portion of your artillery is planted. So much for the entrance to 
the pass ; at the ' little end of the horn,' or the narrowest part of 
the gorge, cut a ditch across the road, and behind it place a heavy 
barricade, and let it bristle with artillery. Place some few pieces 
also at intervals along the converging hillsides, and let them be 
well supported by a judicious distribution of infantry. With reli- 
able troops, then you might defy Santa Anna, or another lame 
personage himself, also a distinguished commander, whose general- 
ship is universally admitted. But though these dispositions actu- 
ally were made, a small American force dislodged and routed the 
enemy, and passed on triumphantly to join the main army. 



48 EL PUCHERO, OR I 

We selected rather an unfortunate camp-ground at La Hoya ; a very 
pretty green spot, indeed, but it was, I suppose, the busin that gave j 
its name to the village. We spent the night in a hollow that may 
have been once the bed of a lake — before morning we might have '■ 
fancied ourselves in the lake itself; for it rained in torrents, and I 
all the rain from the hills poured in upon us, so that there was not 
only water enough in the basin for ordinary ablutions, but many of I 
us were favoured with baths in our tents; and, what was less desi- ] 
rable, our clothes and bedding were soaked by the deluge. Withal, | 
the temperature has changed greatly since we have been ascending '. 
the mountains; the nights are very cold to those who have just left i 
the coast, and though the thermometer may not indicate any great I 
change, our feelings do. \ 

We left La Hoya bright and early, for Perote, which we did not | 
reach until late at night. It was a hard day's march of upwards | 
of twenty miles, a great portion of the road being rough and moun- I 
tainous. As we advance, however, the country is enlivened by I 
more dense population ; ranches, hamlets, chapels, ventas (small 
shops or inns), appear on all sides. Every house displays on its j 
front the holy symbol of the cross — sometimes gilt, sometimes of ' 
plain wood or iron; here simply painted on the wall, there represented ' 
in stucco. The spires of rustic chapels shoot up from amidst the 
green trees in every direction, and add much to the beauty of the '. 
landscape, though the edifices themselves are generally extremely | 
plain upon a nearer view. j 



LETTER XL 



Perote — Castle of San Carlos — Its Condition — How Occupied — Mortality — 
Exchange of Sick for Convalescents — Attending Church — Sand-clouds — 
Exposure of the Troops — Their Imprudence — Opportunities of sending 
Letters Home. 

Camp in the Plaza, Puebla, August. 
Perote is a dull, uninviting place, of about four thousand inhabi- 
tants ; it is on an elevation of eight thousand feet above the level of 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 49 

the sea, and is distant from Vera Cruz, by the road, something less 
than forty leagues.* We encamped on a sand-plain, near the great 
Castle of San Carlos, between it and a field of maize or Indian corn, 
that upon such soil, gave but poor promise of reward to the cultiva- 
tor. The Castle is a very extensive and formidable fortress; its 
massive walls, its gates and drawbridges, its slopes and ditches, re- 
mind one of the boastful English proverb, '' The Spaniards to build 
forts, the French to take them, and the English to keep them." Its 
site appears a very strange one. Standing as it does in the middle of 
a great- plain, an invading army could always turn it without diffi- 
culty; and the only apparent advantage is, that it would be & p>oint 
d'apjyni from which troops could conveniently take the field, and 
where, in case of need, they would find a safe retreat. You must 
always receive, however, my military speculations and descriptions 
with allowances. I cannot pretend to do more than give such views 
as present themselves to an observer entirely unlearned in the 
science of war. Within the gates, I found objects more familiar 
than moats and drawbridges, ramparts and casemates : the temple of 
Mars was dedicated to ^sculapius — -the great Castle was but a 
grand hospital. It was the first and only military station we had 
arrived at; and I am sorry to say that, even in the occupancy of 
American troops, it was most horribly filthy. Volunteers are apt to 
have a false pride as regards the humbler duties of military life, and 
they are very unwilling to come down to the necessary police duties. 
The idea of playing scavenger in an old den of Mexican troops, was 
certainly not agreeable to men, many of whom enjoyed high social 
position at home, and who entered the ranks believing that fighting 
and marching were the only legitimate duties of soldiers. Still, after 
entering upon a new field voluntarily, it became incumbent on them 
to endure all the contingent obligations. Besides the troops in 
charge, principally the 1st Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
and Walker's Company of Mounted Rifles, there were a great 
many soldiers who had been left sick by bodies of troops, regulars 

* A Mexican league is equal to about two miles and five furlongs of 
American statute miles. 

5 



50 EL PUCHERO, OR 

and volunteers, who had passed up previously. Some of these were 
on duty; others, convalescent, had nothing to do but take care of 
themselves — while the greater number were confined to their rude 
couches, bearing it in their expression to the practised eye, that, in 
the language of Corporal Trim, speaking of poor Lefevre, " they 
would never march again in this world." In a ditch within the 
outer walls of the Castle is a cross, around which were strewed hu- 
man bones : we were told, how truly I know not, that they were the 
remains of Texans, who had been executed on the spot and left there 
without sepultui'e. Outside of the walls, immediately in rear of our 
camp, is a double line of mounds, where repose all the perishable parts 
of hundreds of our brave citizen-soldiers. They have fallen by scores, 
and not upon the battle-field, but from the ravages of disease ; by 
the hand of the ruthless conqueror, before whom they fell as the 
grass under the sickle of the mower. Death has been dealing his 
darts so freely here, that in many cases the only burial was that of 
taking a dozen bodies at once to be laid in a common grave. Perote 
is considered by the natives a healthy place, but the Castle, in its 
present condition, is certainly anything else — yet, it is to be ob- 
served, that the diseases which proved so fatal did not originate 
there, but that it was made the receptacle of all the unpromising 
cases of each passing portion of the army. Our own command leaves 
such eases as cannot travel without transportation, and in exchange 
we take with us such as are sufiiciently restored to rejoin their 
respective regiments. Many a poor fellow, in his anxiety to escape 
the charnel-house, reports himself well, and anxious to proceed, 
while his sallow countenance and tottering limbs belie his assei'tions. 

On Sunday, I attended church at Perote — not at the Castle, for 
there the chapel, a tasty and handsome apartment, was used as a 
sick ward — but in the town, at a spacious and time-honoured temple, 
where there was a large crowd of worshippers. The interior of the 
church was imposing, but the effect was impaired by a number of 
coarse paintings and tasteless statuary. Women formed eight-tenths 
of the assembled congregation. 

During our stay at Perote, we were excessively annoyed by the 
light sand that was carried aboiit in clouds by every breeze ; just 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 51 

such as travellers describe of the deserts of Africa — though with us, 
upon a much smaller scale. The sand penetrated into everything ; 
in clothes-bags, sugar, salt — into the dishes cooking on the fire ; it 
filled our eyes, ears, and hair, and we inhaled it at every breath. 

Our sick list had not diminished in the proportion we anticipated. 
The march itself involved a great deal of exposure, particularly as it 
was during the rainy season ; all day we are subjected to a scorching 
sun, while cold and heavy rains are brought with the shades of eve- 
ning. Few of the men, besides, have due deference to Hygsea — 
they eat such fruits as they can get, green or ripe, and they drink, 
when it can be had, something even worse than bad water. If the 
" takes care of his own," he does it very badly. 

Up to the time of reaching Perote, we had not met a human being 
bound to the coast; there, however, we learned that a number of 
volunteers whose time of service had expired, were about to make 
their way to Vera Cruz, homeward bound. We could not go with 
them, except in spirit, but we left with them tidings to bear to our 
friends. Then " shaking the dust from our feet," we resumed our 
onward march in the bold pursuit of — glory ! 



LETTER XII. 



Cofre de Perote — Tierras Frias — Face of the Country — Haciendas : they 
look like Feudal Strongholds — Transportation of Sick — Danger to Strag- 
glers — Wayside Crosses — Inscription — Puebla, the Home of Angels — The 
Angelic Poblanas smile not on the northern Sons of Mars. 

Puebla, August. 
A GREAT landmark, long in sight before reaching Perote, there 
appeared close at hand ; I speak of the lofty mountain called the 
Cofre of Perote, from an arrangement of rock on its summit bearing 
a resemblance to a huge cofi"er or trunk. To my eye, it looks more 
like the hut of a hermit, another Stylites, who had thus planted 
himself above the cares of earth, to enjoy a nearer view of the visible 



52 EL PUCHERO, OR 

heavens. The Cofre is of "basaltic porphyry;" it presents an ele- 
vation of nearly fourteen thousand feet above the level of the sea; 
but standing as it docs between Orizaba and the Puebla mountains, 
whose towering summits ascend thousands of feet in the region of per- 
petual snow, its great height is diminished to the eye by comparison. 

Our march had hitherto been ascending, but at Perote we 
stood upon the great central platform of Anahuac. In the ascent of 
the Cordilleras from the sea, we had passed successively through 
the tierras calienfes, the region of perennial summer, where all fruits 
and flowers of the tropics reach perfection, and where, too, pestilence 
is condensed and concentrated ; through the tierras templadas, where 
the chilling blasts of winter are equally unknown with the scorching 
heats of summer; and now we entered the tierras frias, a region 
cold indeed, compared with the lowlands behind us, but where there 
is no winter as we experience it even in our temperate Middle 
States. When you recollect, however, that this great central ^?a- 
teau is the summit, in fact, of a range of mountains among the most 
stupendous on earth ; that its elevation is more than one half of that 
required, even in the torrid zone, for perpetual snow; it will be obvi- 
ous, that in this latitude, it was not at all amiss to christen the table- 
lands, Tierras Frias. 

Once on the highlands, our average progress was much better 
than before ; we followed a good road over immense plains, occasion- 
ally varied by hill and dale, from Perote to Puebla. Mountains, it 
is true, presented on every side, rearing their lofty heads towards 
heaven ; but they rise abruptly from the plateau, and we kept our 
level road, winding around their bases. A great portion of the 
country is arid, barren, and uncultivated ; of forests there are none — 
we had left them behind us ; at times, scarcely a tree was to be seen 
for miles. Again, we passed through immense fields of the graceful 
and luxuriant maize : thousands of acres lay spread out before us in 
uninterrupted tracts of this invaluable grain. We passed through 
some thrifty villages, and by great haciendas; the road was en- 
livened by caravans of mules and donkeys, carrying on a circulation 
of trade between the cities and country. The haciendas, or perhaps 
better, villas, that is, the abodes of the proprietors and tenements of 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 53 

their dependents, which dot the face of the country, add greatly to 
the scenery. In the midst of a green field you see an extensive and 
massive white wall surrounding a large quadrangular building, white 
also, that looks more like a fortress than a private mansion. Ex- 
tensive parapets, more for defence than ornament, and loop-holes, 
smacking of the feudal ages, and rarely seen in modern edifices, out 
of Mexico, are common enough here, where every man's house is 
literally his castle. 

Dire disease still pursued us. Our ambulances, or avalanches, as 
the men call them, were full and overfull ; the wagons of the train 
were pressed into the service of transporting sick, in addition to their 
proper loads ; but still many had to drag along their weary limbs as 
best they could, or drop by the roadside. This was extremely 
hazardous, on account of the ravening wolves that kept constantly 
on our trail — near enough to fall upon unwary and exhausted strag- 
glers, and yet always far enough off", or sufficiently out of sight, to 
save their precious persons. I sometimes found myself miles be- 
hind the train, and even behind the rear-guard, trying to restore 
and bi'ing on the fallen. The best that could be done in such cases 
was to group a party of the unfoi'tunates, directing them to stand 
by their arms and by each other, and thus, marching and resting, 
to follow on to the camp, which they generally reached some hours 
after their comrades. I must admit, that on leaving my little squad 
to ride on unprotected to my own position, it was generally with a 
feeling of insecurity, as if a silent lasso from behind a hedge might 
interrupt my lonely progress. Sometimes the whole road would be 
strewed for miles with stragglers, who could get on indifferently well 
when allowed to go at their own pace, but who could not keep their 
positions in the ranks — under such circumstances, numbers gave 
security. It is not particularly pleasant, when alone, to pass a way- 
side cross, with a pile of stones around it, and perhaps an inscrip- 
tion — "Don Fulano was murdered on the spot, at such a time, and 
he who passes, is besought to offer up a Paternosta' and an Ave, for 
the repose of his soul." These memorials abound in this hapless 
land — 



64 EL PUCHEKO, OR 

"For ■wheresoe'er the shrieking victim hath 
Poured forth his Ijlood beneath the assassin's knife, 
Some hand erects a cross of mouldering lath ; 
And grove and glen with thousand such are rife 

Throughout this purple land, where law secures not life." 

We reached this fair city, the abode of angels (^Puehla de los An- 
geles), about noon on a very bright day, the third out from Perote, 
and after passing a considerable time in search of quarters, our por- 
tion of the brigade had to be content in their canvass houses, pitch- 
ing the camp in a beautiful green and well-shaded pZaza (square), 
near the cathedral. The city does not show to advantage as ap- 
proached from the Vera Cruz road, the site being rather low, but 
we entered by a splendid macadamized road, passed the garita, 
(guard-station at city gate), and found a city worthy of its aspiring 
title. Some of the regular troops came out to meet us; I observed 
particularly, a gallant and dashing general officer (Twiggs), whose 
staflF and dragoon guard with their well-appointed and highly polished 
equipments, their free use of " pipe-claying and starching," threw 
our travel-stained and sunburnt warriors deep in the shade. Puebla 
adorns the plains of the ancient Tlascala. It was founded upwards of 
three hundred years ago ; and a legend is connected with its name 
and origin, which at some future time I may send you. The an- 
gels who tenant it now (to say nothing of those who belong to our 
army) are the fair poblan as, who have some feminine fame through- 
out the republic of Mexico : the better classes at present are as in- 
visible as the celestial spirits who keep watch over them. The 
triumphs of our braves have so far been over men only ; the smiles 
of beauty rest not on the victors; even their avowed willingness to 
surrender to the winning graces of the gentler sex, has not opened 
to them the doors of the boudoir and the drawing-room. Perhaps 
the ladies are right ; but other reasons than the stately reserve of the 
old Spanish blood cause them to keep our gallants aloof: the most 
trivial acts of civility or courtesy are jealously watched by prying 
eyes; and ihe^ioblana who once nods her head to an American, is 
marked by a fierce and cowardly mob for future insult. 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 55 



LETTER XIII. 

An old Mexican Town " set to rights" and disguised — The Commander-in- 
chief determines to advance on the Capital — Danger of Delay — Pierce's 
Command is distributed — The Army composed of four Divisions — The 
Marine Regiment is assigned to General Quitman's Division (of Volun- 
teers) — Component Parts of the Division — Churches in Puebla — Cathe- 
dral— rThe Governor's Palace — Portales — Grand Plaza — Market-place — 
Coaches — Departure from Puebla by Divisions — The sight of the Com- 
mander-in-chief inspires confidence — Colonel Childs left in command at 
Puebla — Relative Conditions of Invading and Defending Armies. 

San Martin, August. 
The main body of the army, under the immediate command of 
its illustrious chief, has passed the summer in Puebla, and this pro- 
verbially quiet and provincial town has been converted into another 
Babel. The rich and sonorous tones of Old Castile, so appropriate 
amidst the venerable temples and antiquated mansions of a city 
whose foundations are almost coeval with the discovery of the conti- 
nent, are blended with, or I may say overwhelmed by, the " divers 
tongues" of the half of Europe ; English, Dutch, French, and the 
well-known brogue of the gallant son of the Green Isle — who is sure 
to be found wherever there is lovemaking or fighting — all rise at 
once in confused sounds that almost disguise the pure vernacular of 
Yankeedom. Don't suppose for a moment, though, that Jonathan 
himself is thrown in the shade ; by no means. Behold a stately 
building, that looks like a Neapolitan palace ; you can get admission 
there — for a bit of painted board makes it the '* New York Eating 
House ;" the noble pile opposite is the '' Soldiers' Home ;" and 
dozens of other stately edifices are reduced, pro tempore, into 
homely restaurants. Enter any of these, and you will find your 
fellow-citizens, in and out of uniform, discussing politics and the 
war, just as they do in any bar-room in the States, from Maine to 
Texas, with only a little less zest than they clear the platters before 
them. 



66 N EL PUCHERO, OR 

Our stay in Puebla allowed but little time for observation. General 
Scott had been anxiously waiting the arrival of reinforcements to 
set out for the capital. He considered our brigade a sufficient addi- 
tion to his effective force to move forward. Delay at Puebla w;as 
doubly dangerous, for a fatal form of dysentery had carried off, or 
disabled, a large portion of his army, on the one hand, while on the 
other, each day was enabling the enemy to increase and discipline 
his forces, and to perfect his defences. Our General (Pierce) had 
brought on his command with remarkable success ; our losses on the 
way, compared with those of other detached commands, had been 
very trifling ; the men had become inured to hardships, and, except 
those absolutely sick, (no small number, by the way,) our people 
were merged in the main army in much better fighting condition 
than when they left the coast. General Pierce was assigned to his 
proper brigade, and the various regiments and companies lately 
commanded by him were distributed according to an arrangement 
already made by the Commander-in-chief. The army is now com- 
posed of four general divisions, under the respective commands of 
as many distinguished generals, viz. : Worth, Twiggs, Pillow, and 
Quitman. The last named, whose reputation is already very envia- 
ble, commands the volunteer division, which I will subdivide, as it 
embraces our own regiment, (and your humble servant being a 
volnntario, hongre, malgre, is to share its triumphs and defeats,) 
into its component parts, i. e., 1st, New Yorkers, Col. Burnett ; 2d, 
Pennsylvanians, Col. Roberts; the South Carolinians, or "Palmetto" 
Regiment, Col. Butler ; U. S. Marines, Lt. Col. Watson ; a company 
of light artillery, Capt. Steptoe ; and a squadron of dragoons, Capt. 
Gaither ; — the three last-mentioned belonging to the regular service. 
There is a siege train in company also, of twenty-four pounders, 
each piece drawn by ten horses, commanded by Capt. Huger, of the 
ordnance. 

While in Puebla, I visited a few of the churches. They are famous 
for their magnificence, especially the cathedral, Avhich is distin- 
guished by its size, its architecture, and its ornaments. The last 
are at once rich and chaste, of costly construction and material, and 
withal in excellent taste. It is the more remarkable, as in a large 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 57 

proportion of Mexican churches, there has been a lavish expenditure 
of money upon objects that a man of cultivated taste would declare 
at once to be neither seemly nor edifying. The cathedral occupies 
one side of the grand plaza ; the Governor's palace is opposite, and 
was occupied by the Commander-in-chief of our army during his 
stay ; the other two sides of the square present long ranges of shops 
on the ground-floor, and dwellings above ; and, in common with the 
palace, uninterrupted portoZes extend their entire length. The con- 
struction of the portales, or porticoes, is such that the upper front 
stories of the houses project considerably, and are supported on 
uniform arches, so that the sidewalks, which are within the arches, 
are protected equally from sun and rain. In the middle of the 
plaza is a splendid fountain ; around it are congregated hundreds of 
country people, seated in stalls, or standing in the open air, offering 
for sale all the fruits, flowers, and vegetables that the surrounding 
country produces. In front of the cathedral is a stand for hackney 
coaches, rare vehicles, perhaps modelled after that of Queen Joanna, 
the foolish, who, it is said, introduced the first coach into Spain. So 
little change has taken place in Spanish fashions and customs for 
some centuries, that the coaches in actual use here are precisely such 
as you see in the old illustrated copies of Gil Bias and Don Quixote 
— they are the same huge, lumbering vehicles, suspended on leather 
springs ; el cochero, on his mule, with postilions where there is a 
team of four, six, or eight mules, which, though unusual with hack- 
ney coaches, is very common with travelling carriages. 

We left Puebla on the 8 th, with all the " pomp and circum- 
stance" that bands of music, floating banners, flashing bayonets, and 
rolling drums can produce ; the street windows were lined to see the 
pageant, thousands of spectators, citizens and soldiers, occupied the 
sidewalks, and the scene was really imposing, and not without so- 
lemnity. Ardent, and full of hope and bright visions as were the 
gallant spirits who were about to engage, some for the first time, 
others for the twentieth, upon scenes that were to try and to prove 
men — must not the reflection have forced itself on all, that many — 
and who could say how many — of the best and the bravest, would 
never retrace the steps they were now taking ; and that no one could 



58 EL PUCHERO, OR 

say but tlwit a few days or weeks, would find him in a soldier's 
grave ! Motion, however, is adverse to reflection ; each step of the 
road requires some petty attention, and thus the mind is constantly 
occupied with trifles of the moment, superseding, fortunately per- 
haps, graver thought. The four divisions did not start ofi" together, 
but each on a day assigned. Greneral Twiggs led the way on the 
7th, Greneral Quitman followed on the 8th, and we left Generals 
Worth and Pillow to follow on the 9th and 10th, successively. 
Scott, the commander of all, and the master-spirit, passed us the 
first day, hastening on with his dragoon escort to join Twiggs. He 
was received with "Hail to the Chief," by the music of each regi- 
ment as he passed, and deafening cheers. There is something in 
his ample brow and majestic form that inspires confidence : he looks 
like a man fit to conduct au}^ great enterprise to a successful issue. 

The sick of the army and a small force under Colonel Childs, a 
distinguished ofiicer, remain to garrison Puebla; the main army, 
destined to achieve miracles, or to perish, now on the march for the 
capital, consists of about ten thousand men. The enemy receives us 
with thirty thousand in the very heart of his own country — while we 
are far away from ours, and from all succour. I dare not, I confess 
it, I dare not dwell on the prospect, opening so like a yawning gulf 
immediately before us. 



LETTER XIV. 



Buena Vista — Country and Crops from Puebla to San Martin — Pulque — 
Snow Mountains — Popocatapetl and Istaccihuatl — The more Striking be- 
cause Solitary — Ascent of the Great Barrier — An Alarm — Rio Frio — 
Airy Lodgings — A veritable High-Road. 

Buena Vista, August. 
You must not think yourself transported to the immortal Taylor's 
great battle-field because this is headed Buena Vista, which means 
precisely the same as the French Bellevue, and is similarly applied 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 59 

in Mexico, and certainly with great propriety, in innumerable in- 
stances. Our present site is no more than a hacienda, and a poorly 
stocked venta. We passed the second night out from Puebla, at the 
antiquated village of San Martin, which stands at the foot of the 
mountain wall enclosing the valley of Mexico. We traversed to 
reach it, a fine rolling country in a high state of cultivation, bearing 
fine crops of corn and barley, and adorned by numerous castellated 
haciendas. The fields are commonly enclosed by ditches and hedges; 
the latter being frequently of the maguey (^Agave Americana), are 
of great value, not only as being impassable, but more for the famous 
beverage called pulque, which is to the Mexican what beer is to the 
Englishman, cider to the American, and wine to the Frenchman. 
The maguey plant is used for so many purposes, that it may be 
worth while to enumerate them, which I will do when a little more 
at leisure. 

We enjoyed, en route, a near view of the great volcano, Popoca- 
tapetl, which, I believe, signifies the Smoke Mountain, and its colos- 
sal, but not volcanic neighbour, Istaccihuatl, or, the White Woman ; 
the former, a majestic cone, upwards of seventeen thousand feet high, 
the loftiest peak of North America; the latter, not so high, but ex- 
tending to a considerable length its rugged spine in the ethereal 
region of perpetual snow, bearing a far-fetched resemblance to a 
reclining female figure. At the summit of the sublime Popocatapetl, 
and for three thousand feet down its mighty sides, my poor eyes 
could discern nothing but spotless snow, sparkling and glittering in 
the sunbeams; others, keener-sighted, in reality or imagination, 
could discern a wreath of circling vapour, rising from the concealed 
depths within. I have seen, when coasting along the western shores 
of our southern continent, the great chain of the Andes, wearing an 
unbroken mantle of snow as far as eye could reach, but the im- 
pression does not equal that made by these solitary peaks, as they 
present themselves to the wayfarer on shore; there is a sublimity 
about them that is, at once, unspeakably glorious and imposing. 

From San Martin, we commenced the ascent of the porphyritic 
mountains which shvit us out from " the happy valley." The day 
was very bright, and old Sol darted his rays down upon us, as he 



60 EL PUCHERO, OR \ 

did on the unfortunate traveller he uncloaked on a certain memorable ' 
occasion ; clouds of dust enveloped us, and as the day advanced, the 
men began to give way in numbers, from exhaustion; we were all ] 
the while in constant expectation of a general engagement at any i 
point along the road, though more especially at Hio Frio, a strong j 
pass we were approaching. Suddenly, a few dragoons rode by us I 
most furiously, seeking the General to announce that the rear was j 
attacked. Then the drums commenced to roll along the line; offi- : 
cers and men sprung to their places ; the General jjassed to the rear, | 
and all of us believed that an engagement was at hand; some sharp : 
firing at the rear confirmed the opinion, but the battle was soon \ 
over, and resulted in no very great loss ; a straggling dragoon had ! 
dropped behind from some cause, when he was set on by a company j 
of mounted lancers, who wounded him in several places, but did not ! 
take time to finish their work, finding themselves noticed and pur- 
sued. We continued our march to Rio Frio (cold stream), where 
we encamped for the night. At Puebla we had been told to expect | 
a general engagement at this point, on account of its wonderful na- i 
tural defences. We found, however, no enemy. Kfonda, kept by I 
a German and his wife, furnished food and lodgings to as many as i 
could be there accommodated. I contented myself with the pur- ' 
chase of a loaf of fresh bread, which was luxury enough for a weary ■ 
and hungry man, and repaired to my tent to consume a homely j 
meal and to sleep off my fatigue. I found the night very cold in : 
this aerial region (we had made a march of upwards of twenty miles j 
during the day, and were ascending at least four-fifths of the way), j 
but wrapping my comfort around me, and laying aside only haver- 
sack, canteen, and spurs, I slept soundly until nearly daj'^break, , 
when sufficiently refreshed, and more than sufficiently chilled, I went \ 
out to seek comfort by the guard-fire. At dawn we had breakfasted, j 
and were under way; it had rained in the night as usual, and great ■ 
difficulty was experienced in getting the train and heavy ordnance ', 
pieces up the slippery hills ; but time and labour brought the usual | 
results, and, about noon, a large portion of the volunteer division ! 
stood upon the highest point of road between the two oceans ; that ] 
is, on the summit of the mountain, the height of which, at that \ 
point, falls little short of eleven thousand feet. ] 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 61 



LETTER XV. 

First View of the Central Valley of Mexico — A transparent Atmosphere — 
Climate — Effects of Exposure — Concentration of the Army — The two 
Superior Generals — El Penon — Probable Loss of ^len necessary for taking 
it — Snow-stox-m in the Mountains — Reconnoitering. 

Buena Vista, August. 
DuEiNG the descent of the mountain, the army enjoyed the sight 
of scenery of surpassing magnificence ; the lovely valley or basin 
of Mexico, lay spread out like a panorama of fairy-land, opening, 
closing, and shifting, according to the changing positions of the ob- 
servers. At times, nothing would be visible but dark recesses in 
the mountain, or the grim forest that shaded the road, when in a 
moment, a sudden turn would unfold, as if by magic, a scene that 
looked too lovely to be real. It was an enchantment in nature ; for 
knowing, as we did, that we beheld bona fide lakes and mountains, 
plains and villages, chapels and hamlets, all so bright, so clear, and 
so beautiful, it still appeared an illusion of the senses, a dream, or 
a perfection of art — nay, in the mountain circle, we could see the 
very picture frame. I could see nothing of the city, this American 
Venice, whose tall spires many persons said were visible from certain 
points, I know not whether the fault was in my own optics, or in 
the far-sighted imaginations of others. There is a clearness in this 
rare and elevated atmosphere, not known on the ordinary level of 
the earth ; and objects, whose distance would make them dim and 
misty elsewhere, have here a distinctness of outline, that brings 
them so much in the field of vision, as to give a delusive idea of 
their proximity. Although we are here in the tropics in the middle 
of August, we have no reason to complain of the heat of the climate ; 
on the contrary, the nights are really cold, and even during the day, 
it is quite cool passing through the shady defiles of the mountains. 
At noon we feel the sun's power; in the middle of the afternoon, 

6 



62 EL PUCHERO, OR 

however, the sky becomes overcast, and a cold heavy rain sets in, 
that lasts until some time in the night : it is then we find it uncom- 
fortably cold in tents; though persons dwelling in comfortable houses 
probably do not find it so. For myself, I improve in health and 
strength from the exposure, and so do many ofiicers and men ; but 
others appear to break under it, probably from some original defect 
of constitution, or yet more likely, from wanton imprudence, super- 
added. The men threw away watch-coats and blankets freely while 
passing through the tierras calientes. They were mere incumbrances 
there, but here they suiFer much for want of them. Consequently, 
the diseases commonly incident to camps are ever with us. 

The divisions closed up as they reached the valley. When ours 
was nearly at the foot of the mountain, we could see Twiggs a few 
miles in advance — the General-in-chief with him still ; Worth's as 
far behind ; and although our army is really a very small one, the im- 
mense train accompanying it, makes it seem double or quadruple its 
size. It is a very pretty sight to see the wagons winding down the 
hills from a distance : with their white canvass covers, they look like 
flocks bearing ample fleece, and they are visible through trees and 
above bushes when no part of their escort is to be seen. We en- 
camped at Bucna Vista on the 11th, and found ricks of barley 
straw, of which we made beds — the only time I have enjoyed such 
luxury since leaving the ship at Vera Cruz. On the 12th, Worth's 
fine division passed us, and on the 13th, Pillow's, to encamp at 
convenient distances from each other. This last commander is, though 
a new soldier, second in rank to the Commander-in-chief — a most 
unfortunate circumstance in case any mishap should befall General 
Scott ; for, without any discussion of their relative merits, Scott com- 
mands the perfect confidence of the entire army, which the other 
does not enjoy; and this alone would be enough to change the tide 
of battle against us under trying circumstances. 

Santa Anna is, we learn, at ElPeiion, a rugged hill ten miles this side 
of the city of Mexico, immediately on the road thereto. The hill is a 
solitary cone, upon which he has planted three tiers of guns, and made 
substantial breastworks ; it is surrounded by water, and he has cut 
ditches of uncertain depth across the road, behind which are barri- 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 63 

cades strongly fortified; the hill commands the road completely, 
which is there but a causeway, so that the train cannot leave it to 
turn the work. From all information, it is very certain that the 
place, apparently impregnable, can only be taken at a terrible sacri- 
fice of human life on the part of the assailants ; while the assailed, 
behind their defences, will have but a small comparative loss; and it 
must be kept in mind, that with our small force, every life is valua- 
ble, we are far from recruiting depots, nearly three hundred miles 
from the sea, with but two small garrisons, at Puebla and Perote, 
upon which we could fall back if necessary; and once commencing 
a retreat, it is doiibtful if we could even reach them. We 
hear that General Scott says it will cost him four thousand men 
to take Peiion ; but after this terrible loss, nearly the half of the 
army, what will be the condition of the remainder ? Yet does this 
army confide most implicitly in his wisdom and skill to conduct it 
in safety and honoiu* through the fearful crisis now approaching. 
All things considered, the troops are remarkably confident and 
cheerful, and there appears to be a general conviction of a successful 
issue. May it be justified ; if not, we may consider defeat another 
word for annihilation. 

The view from the hacienda of Buena Vista, which is on a slight 
elevation, is certainly remarkably fine ; but I cannot conceive of any 
point within this valley where it can be otherwise, there being in so 
small a space so much variety. I witnessed here a grand sight, a 
snow-storm on the mountain tops, while it was clear below. You 
may imagine, but I cannot describe, its sublime beauty. 

Our reconnoitering parties are very active, gathering information 
as to the strength and positions of the enemy. It is a hazardous 
duty, but the time has come for every man to be willing to make a 
sacrifice of himself, if necessary, for the good of the whole. The 
engineers, and others* engaged, give daily practical evidence of 
their ability and devotion in the cause. We know not how soon to 

* During one of the reconnoissances, near Mira Flores, several dragoons 
were killed, and Lieutenant Schuyler Hamilton, a gallant young officer, 
aide-de-camp to General Scott, was severely, if not mortally wounded. 



64 EL PUCHERO, OR 

expect to meet the enemj ; and we would not be surprised at any 
moment to be ordered forward to the attack. We expect, of course, 
dreadful carnage, but believe at the same time that the sagacity of 
the chief will save all unnecessary bloodshed. By the 13th, the 
anniversary of the triumph of the great Spanish conqueror, we hope 
to enter the famed capital of Mexico. 



LETTER XVI. 



The Army leaves the direct Road to the City — Chalco — An old Chtirch and 
an old Curate — Record of the Padre's predecessors — A fieiy Painting — A 
Voice from the other AVoi-ld — Human Remains — Turning Peiion — Extinct 
Craters — Changes wrought by Time. 

Camp near Lake Chalco, August. 

On the 15th, we (Quitman's division) left our camp at Buena 
Vista, where we had lain for several days, and moved to Chalco, an 
old town of no small note in Mexican history. We started, as if 
for Peiion, marched several miles, until we reached Twiggs' camp, 
near Ayotla, when the division was ordered to countermarch, return 
to a fork of the road, near the point from which it started, and take 
the road to the left, leading to Chalco. Whether we made the fii'st 
movement by mistake, or as a feint, I know not, but presume it was 
the latter. We made a very slow march, over a road that led 
through fields of growing corn (maize), and that was probably 
never travelled before by anything more pretending than the lum- 
bering carts of the country. We heard considerable firing at one 
time at a distance behind us, and learned afterwards that Twiggs' 
division, now coming on in the rear, had a brush with a large column 
of the enemy, which however soon left the field, and their dead on 
it. The encounter happened near the fork where we had deviated 
from the direct road to the capital. At Chalco, we encamped on the 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 65 

ground that Worth's division left, only in time to allow us to occupy 
the same spot. Several of our regiments pitched their tents in a 
grassy and well-shaded enclosure in front of a church, that has stood 
the buffetings of changing seasons for centuries. Its solid founda- 
tions and massive walls look as though intended to rival, in dvirability, 
the neighbouring mountains. Besides the church itself, there are 
various apartments under the same roof, probably intended as a 
residence for monks, but the only occupant at present is an ancient 
padre, the parish priest, who, if not so old, is much more tottering 
than the temple in which he oiFers sacrifice. At the head of a flight 
of steps leading to a suite of rooms, the following inscription is 
painted on the walls, under the names and times of service of all 
the curates who have officiated there since the year of our Lord one 
thousand six hundred and six. 

" Laudemus viros gloriosos, et parentes nostros in gene- 
ratione sua." 

" Omnes isti in generatione su^ gentis gloriam adepti 
SUNT. Eccles., Cap. XLIV. Animse eonini per miser icorcliam 
Dei reqwiescant in pace." 

" Let us praise men of renown, and our fathers in their genera- 
tion." 

" All these have gained glory in their generations, and were 
praised in their days. From the forty-fourth chapter of Ecclesiasti- 
cus. May their souls, through the mercy of Grod, rest in peace." 

The last is a prayer common to all Catholic Christendom for " those 
who have gone before" into the realms of the spirit world. 

The building is in the form of a cross, and externally, one of the 
angles is shut up by a monumental-looking wall, upon which is a 
rough painting of the sufferings of those who left this world with 
sins not yet atoned for, but whose crimes are not supposed to be so 
heinous as to merit eternal punishment. 

The following inscription, as the voice of one of the sufferers, in 
old Spanish, accompanies the painting, at once a warning and peti- 
tion, to half-repentant sinners whose sands are yet running. 

" Hoy por my, manana por ty — como te beo, me bi — como 

ME BES, TE BERAS. AlIBIAME POR TU AMOR QUE OTRO A Tl, TE 

6* 



66 EL PUCHERO, OR 

ALIBIARA. CUANTO BIEN HASES FOR MI, ES OTRO TANTO CAUDAL 
QUE CONTREPESADO A EL, ATESORAS PARA TY." 

Which may be somewhat freely translated as follows : " I to-day 
— thou to-morrow — what thou art, I was ; as thou seest me, wilt 
thou be seen thyself. Aid me, for thine own love, that another may 
aid thee. All the good thou doest for me is so much treasure laid 
in the balance, in thy favour." 

There is an aperture in the wall, partly filled by an image of 
Nuestra Sehora, the virgin mother : through the opening may be 
seen heaps of human bones, and many niches are adorned with 
human skulls, themselves impressing, without inscription, the solemn 
" memento mori." 

G-eneral Scott and stafi' were at Chalco on our arrival, and it was 
reported he was going to order a portion of the army to the city by 
way of the lake, in boats found at the town ; but no such order was 
given. He went on to join Worth, and Quitman's division followed 
in the morning. Our mai'ch brought us to a hamlet less than ten 
miles from Chalco ; but on account of the road, it was impossible to 
go farther. We are close on the heels of Generals Worth and Pil- 
low, as Twiggs is on ours, and we are making a detour around Lake 
Chalco, so as to turn the formidable Penon, and thus neutralize 
Santa Anna's great preparations at that point. The Mexicans not 
dreaming that with our heavy train we would attempt or could pass 
along this road, have expended all their time and labour, fortifying 
that which we have just left. 

This valley is marked by numerous truncated cones, varying in 
height from one to five hundi'ed feet, which are extinct craters. 
What must have been the condition of the basin when it was, as it 
were, one huge caldron, boiling over at so many points ! Imagine, if 
you can, hundreds of these Cyclopean chimneys belching forth at 
once fire and smoke, sending forth torrents of liquid lava, boiling 
and raging as it descended to spread over the troubled and trembling 
plain ! And if the pigmy earthquakes and eruptions of this age of 
the world are accompanied by so fearful a roar, what must it have 
been when these huge mountains were heaved up to their present 
wondrous height by the giant throes of earth convulsed ! _ Behold 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 67 

the change. Nature is stilled and hushed — a calm serenity, a death- 
like stillness rests upon the scene once so fearful — and man, the 
creature of yesterday, weak and proud, dares to wake the slumbering 
hills and dales with his contests; and to announce, upon this spot, 
through the iron throats of his destroying agents, the story of his 
ambition and his hate ! 



LETTEK XVII. 



Cultivation of the Soil — The Maguey Plant (Agave Americana) — Pulque, 
the Wine of Mexico — Mescal, the Usquebaugh — The Merits of Pulque, 
better than Nectar — Bringing it to Market — Like Vice, it comes, 

" A monster of so frightful mien, 
As to be hated needs but to be seen," 

Yet soon becoming familiar, is first endured, then embraced — Manner of 
Procuring — The new Liquor [Agua Miel, Honey Water), resembles the 
Milk of the Green Cocoanut — Various Uses of the Plant — Groves of Olive 
Trees — Vegetables — Fruits — A Rough Eoad — Obstructions — The Ball 
Opened — An Officer Killed. 

In Quarters, San Augustin de los Cuevas, August. 
Our slow progress gave us some opportunity of seeing the culti- 
vation of the country, as we passed through and by many fields and 
patches that represent the market-gardens near our large cities. 
The most important article of produce appears to be the Agave 
Americana, or maguey plant, which is the vine of Mexico : it fur- 
nishes pulque, the wine of the country, and mescal, a strong alcoholic 
drink, somewhat resembling Irish whiskey. If the Mexicans were 
a poetic people, many would be the odes, written and sung, in honour 
of the former, for it receives the devoted attentions of all classes of 
people, as the numerous signs attest at innumerable pulquerias. 
You are constantly seeing by the roadside, not only men, women, 
and children, with pulque for sale, but at every angle of the road, a 



68 EL PUCHERO, OR 

hut with tempting invitations, as follows : — " Pulque 1 1 AL nectar 

DE LOS DiosES," "Pulques Fines de /' from some particular 

hacienda, as fine wines from some particular vineyard. The walls 
of the pulquerias are commonly adorned with illustrations in fresco 
of the charms of the beverage. It is the fermented juice of the 
maguey, and varies in strength and condition, like cider. Our people 
were at first as much prejudiced against it, as are the natives in its 
favour ; and when one sees the uninviting form in which it is carried 
to market, it requires a stomach above all squeamishness to acquire 
a relish for it. A string of dirty and squalid-looking Indians, with 
long matted hair, garments of the scantest, leaving the chest and 
limbs exposed, feet bare, or with the simplest sandals, and the whole 
person sunburnt almost to blackness, are the cargadores of the pre- 
cious burden, which they bring on their backs in skins. These 
last preserve the form of the "entire swine" from which they are 
taken ; so that every Indian appears to have a hog on his shoulders, 
wanting only the head. The tails and legs stand out in bold relief, 
occasionally moved by the fluctuations of the contained liquid. But 
campaigning cures fastidiousness so effectually, that dirt becomes a 
sort of condiment, or at least nobody objects to it; and pulque soon 
obtained favour, in spite of Indians and hog-skins. It is really a 
most refreshing beverage, with a piquancy peculiar to itself, that 
becomes by habit very grateful. The immoderate use of it, as of 
hard cider, causes intoxication. It is obtained somewhat as follows : 
About the period of inflorescence, when the plant has reached from 
five to ten years of its growth, the central leaves are cut, and the 
juice, which was to have been expended in furnishing the flowers, 
exudes slowly for some months, when it is daily collected in gourds 
by the Indians, and kept until it undergoes the necessary fermen- 
tation, a process much hastened by the addition of a little old pulque. 
The first liquor is called agna mid (honey water) ; it is rich in sugar 
and mucilage, and the taste resembles much that of the milk of the 
green cocoanut, a favourite beverage wherever known. I have drank 
the sweet liquid from the cup formed in the plant for receiving it as 
it exudes ; but the Mexicans never use it until after fermentation. 
The plant fulfilled various purposes among the Aztecs : it furnished 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 69 

them paper, coverings for their houses, lancets, from the sharp 
prickles bordering the leaves, needles, cordage and cloth, from the 
strong fibres which form the texture of the leaves, and, as now, im- 
penetrable hedges. Ropes are still made of the fibres, of such 
strength that bridges are suspended on them in certain parts of 
Mexico. Withal, the plant, so rich in juices, will thrive in a soil 
too arid to produce any of the ordinary fruits of the earth. It has 
other uses, you see, besides bringing pulque and mescal. 

We passed through immense olive groves : the trees are truly 
magnificent, but the fruit is small and indifierent; — through fields 
of corn, beans, tomatoes, peppers, &c., all grown for the city market. 
We see often the fruit trees of the tropics, but the fruit commonly 
does not mature, or is in some way defective. We are enabled to 
get occasionally, supplies of fruits, as apples, pears, peaches, oranges, 
figs, the fruit of the prickly pear (^Cactus opunticC), which is in great 
favour with many persons, alligator pear (^Laurus Per sea), and 
others ; but they are generally scarce, in great demand, and conse- 
quently high. I frequently notice a tree by the roadside producing a 
berry very like cubebs (^Piper cuheba), both in appearance and taste ; 
that is, it has a mixed taste of pepper and turpentine. The natives 
call it the Arhol del Peru (tree of Peru); they obtain from it a 
balsam, which has the common virtues of the terebinthinates. 

We had a very tedious time getting here, passing by lakes Chalco 
and Jochimilco. The road at times appeared almost impassable for 
foot, to say nothing of wagons, ambulances, and heavy artillery. 
Sometimes there was scarcely the width of a wagon between the 
marshy lake on one side, and rough precipitous banks on the other ; 
and again the road was a causeway of rough, shapeless rocks, about 
as definite in size as the piece of chalk you have heard of, irregularly 
laid or heaped over a miry bottom. It was a difficult matter to 
keep on, or pass over them, and fatal to get off. The greatest ob- 
jection to our delay is that it gives Santa Anna time to make new 
preparations; but he can make none, it is said, equal to the Penon 
defences. He had his emissaries out, obstructing our road by fell- 
ing trees, rolling down rocks from overhanging banks, &c. ; but, 



70 EL PUCHERO, OR 

though it caused some detention, the obstacles were readily removed 
by Worth, whose division led the way. 

On the 18th, approaching this village, or Puehla, we were 
warned to expect an engagement. Quitman's division encamped, 
our portion of it in a cornfield, ready to move at a moment's notice. 
We heard during the day a brisk firing of artillery. I ascended 
one of the numerous mountain cones not far distant, and found the 
gallant General there with his staff", overlooking the plains below. 
From our position we could see distinctly the flash and ascending 
smoke from the pieces, but nothing in detail, on account of trees, 
&c. We had a fair view at the same time of Pefion, the terrible, 
from the summit of which waved the tricolour of the Mexican re- 
public. 

The firing became more active as the day advanced, and we were 
on the tiptoe of expectation, looking for a general engagement. 
After a while some reports came in, and we learned that, early in 
the day. Captain Thornton, of the 2d dragoons, a Virginian and a 
gallant officer, had been killed by a cannon-ball, the fii'st, I believe, 
that was fired, while escorting Major Smith and other engineers on 
a bold reconnoissance : their interpreter was severely wounded. The 
continued fire was on Worth's division, engaged in planting batteries 
against the fortified hacienda of San Antonio. The excitement 
among us became intense, I assure you; the men crowded the hill- 
tops, looking for what was to be seen, and expressing most ardently 
their desire to be led at once to battle — action is so much better than 
suspense j — and the Mexicans rushed to their house-tops, burning, 
no doubt, with feelings they were too wise to express so near the 
daring enemy. 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 71 



LETTER XVII I. 

> 
San Augustin, or Tlalpam — Renewed worship of Huitzlipochtli, the ancient 
God of War — San Antonio — Contreras — Field of Lava (Pedregal) — Trans- 
portation of Artillery Pieces — Working under fire of the Enemy — View 
from a Church Tower — Batteries Planted — A bad Night — Prospects gloomy 
— Enemy elated — Sufferings and Exposure of our Troops — Quitman's 
Reserve starts for the Scene of Action — Battle won before reaching 
there— Prisoners of War, &c. — Note — Some Details of the Battle of Con- 
treras. 

San Augustin de las Cuevas, August. 
This is quite a pretty village, some ten miles from the capital, 
on the road to Acapulco, the principal port on the west or Pacific 
coast of Mexico ; its name under the former rulers was Tlalpam ; 
but the Spaniards rechristened even the heathen towns in their 
zeal to blot out the remembrance of the religion and the power 
they were then levelling to the earth; and Tlalpam bears the title 
imposed on it by the Christian conquerors. The hideous god of 
war, old Huitzlipochtli, is once more awake in his favourite valley, 
and receives again his hecatombs of human victims. Since my last, 
a bloody battle has been fought, and the din of war still resounds 
in my ears. There are, it seems, in all directions leading out from 
the capital, three separate fortifications on each road or causeway; 
each of which has to be carried successively, before the army can 
reach the city ; the first of these, on this road, is at the hacienda of 
San Antonio. As commonly understood among us here (in a chafing 
reserve). Worth's division was planted before the hacienda, and Pil- 
low's ordered, by a detour of several miles, to fall upon it, a tergo, 
or as soldiers say, in reverse. The division sallied out on the 19th, 
expecting something of a brush at a point about four miles distant. 
A laborious march, great natural difficulties in opening the road, &c., 
brought them in the afternoon within the range of the Mexican 
batteries, and it soon appeared that the brush would result in a great 
battle. 



72 EL PUCHERO, OR 

The Mexicans were established in great force on a commanding 
hill near the village of (Jontreras, under the command of Gleneral 
Valencia, second in rank to his excellency the President, and com- 
mander-in-chief of the forces. Pillow and Twiggs were to carry 
Contreras, eii jicissant, and pursue their coui'se to the main road be- 
yond San Antonio. This was easier said than done. Our troops 
had to make a road as they marched; and their difficulties, to most 
persons, would have appeared insuperable. The course lay over ' 
what is here called " Peclregal," or field of lava. It is a mass of i 
irregular uninterrupted rocks, nearly a mile wide at the point | 
crossed by the army. At many points, there are perpendicular ; 
barriers of rock, some firm, others loose, and all impracticable for 
the motions of dragoons or artillery ; yet so indispensable was the 
agency of the latter, that two batteries (Magruder's light, and Cal- | 
lender's howitzer) were dragged into position by the hands of the i 
troops, so as to play on the camp at Contreras. All this was not ; 
only great labour, but it caused much delay, and that was a period ; 
of no little suspense and sufiering among our troops. The Mexi- j 
cans, safely ensconced behind their entrenchments, played away on i 
our fellows, without let or hindrance. They were entirely out of our j 
reach : musketry would not touch them ; and for weary hours were \ 
our men lifting and hauling the unwieldy pieces of artillery, ex- 
posed fully to the iron hail that fell around them, with no more i 
power to return it than has the stricken wayfarer to send back the i 
shower from heaven. Slowly and wearily did the Americans clear j 
obstructions, and advance upon the enemy. There was no rush, j 
no charge, none of that brisk stirring excitement that keeps men ; 
in heart ; the only virtues called for were steady labour, and patient ; 
endurance. With others not participating in the fight, I stood in ' 
the belfry of a church, looking on in a state of the most intense ; 
excitement. The scene was not clear, on account of the distance, and j 
the rocks, bushes, &c., which concealed almost entirely the motion i 
and progress of the troops; but we could see and hear every shot j 
fired by the Mexicans, while, for hours, it was but too evident there 
was no return from the Americans. My own mind was in torture. 
Why should the Americans stand back as they did to be mowed 



1 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 73 

down, instead of rushing to the charge, and carrying all before 
them ? Were they kept at bay by the overwhelming force of the 
enemy ? Why, then was not our whole army ordered out to decide 
the contest at once ? These, and a thousand impatient questions 
were in every man's mouth, for the delay was certain, the cause en- 
tirely unknown. It showed the anxiety of the spectators, if not 
their judgment. My eyes would wander from the battle-field to the 
towers and spires of the distant city, and I asked myself when we 
would be there, and at what sacrifice ? During the afternoon the 
batteries' were successfully planted, and commenced their deadly 
work, but at great disadvantage. They were small pieces, but few 
of them, and entirely exposed, while the enemies', per contra, were 
large, numerous, and protected. They, however, played their part 
faithfully, though with heavy losses. Meantime the battle, so far 
one-sided, continued until the dark mantle of night covered over 
the contending hosts. It was a dreadful night. I was in pursuit 
of quarters at a late hour, when I fell upon a house occupied by a 
reserve of New Yorkers. After a while, one of the followers of 
the army came in, who gave a sad picture of the prospects and 
condition of our army. He left the field at dark — the men were 
ready to drop where they stood, 

" The weary to sleep and the wounded to die." 

They were suffering with cold, hunger, thirst, and want of rest — 
they were, withal, disheartened, because they had suffered without 
the power of retaliation, while the Mexicans were in a perfect gale 
at their astonishing success. This was shown by the spirit and 
clangour of their martial music and their shouts of joy — ^^ vivas." 
During the night the rain fell in torrents — indeed, it appeared to 
me to exceed the heaviest showers I had known in Mexico ; and as 
it was very cold, you may judge what they suffered, who, faint and 
exhausted, had to bear its peltings as they lay on the wet sod, or 
on the rocks of the Pedregal. The conflict had become so desperate 
that Garland's brigade of Worth's division, had been ordered to the 
scene of action by the commander-in-chief j and early next morning 

7 



74 EL PUCHERO, OR 

(20th) the reserve at San Augustin was directed to move to partici- 
pate in the fortunes of the day. As we approached the field, how- 
ever, loud shouts, that were not " vivas," indicated that our people 
were in high spirits ; and very shortly our march was arrested, and 
the brigade ordered to countermarch, as Contreras teas won. We 
were obliged to retrace our steps, though most reluctantly; but 
General Scott considered San Augustin too important a point to be 
abandoned, and as it was the depot of ordnance stores, &c., its pro- 
tection was of prime importance. General Quitman was, therefore, 
left in command, with a portion of his division. It was a hard inflic- 
tion on a man of his temperament, and he did not submit without 
using every exertion to get on active service. Scott was inexorable. 
Some one must be left, and there was great danger of an attack at 
that point, the enemy knowing it to be our great depot. No one 
could be better trusted than Quitman for the defence ; and he had 
to subject his inclinations to his sense of duty. 

The taking of Contreras was "honour enough for one day;" 
but the din of battle continued. Our troops followed the fugitives 
to another stronghold on the main road, and in the mean time hun- 
dreds of prisoners, including the notox'ious General Salas, late Vice- 
President of the Republic, who had announced " no quarters" when 
elated with the prospect of victory, were brought in to this place 
for safe keeping. 



Note. — The Battle of Contreras, at first so threatening, not only to ' 
the honour but to the very existence of the invading army, now stands 
recorded, surrounded by a halo of glory, upon our national archives. 
A detailed account of it, as of battles generally, can only be given i 
by a man versed in the art of war and military literature ; but an , 
outline sketch for the general reader, taken from some of the lead- ' 
ing reports, may not prove unacceptable, nor, in this connexion, ! 
inappropriate. 

On the morning of the 19th of August, the four divisions of the i 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 75 

American army were at or near the town of San Augustin, with the 
Commander-in-chief. Worth's division was engaged at San Antonio, 
the first obstruction on the highroad to the capital ; Twiggs' and 
Pillow's were in the town ; and Quitman's was approaching from the 
last night's encampment. General Scott, deeming it highly im- 
portant to throw a force between San Antonio and the city, ordered 
careful reconnoissances of the surrounding country, for the purpose 
ofturning, if possible, this strong point; the information he received 
was, that it was practicable to open a road across the country to in- 
tersect a' road leading through the village of San Angel to the city. 
He learned, at the same time, that in anticipation of this attempt, 
the Mexicans had fortified a commanding eminence, overlooking the 
proposed route. Grenerals Pillow and Twiggs were ordered with 
their divisions to proceed by the course indicated by the engineers, 
and while engaged in the laborious duty of opening the road, they 
became exposed to the murderous fire of the enemy. The Mexicans 
in their intrenched camp, with nearly thirty pieces of artillery 
planted, ranging in calibre from six to sixteen-pounders, had a fair 
sweep at our advancing columns; while, from the nature of the 
ground over which our troops were moving, (" a vast plain of broken 
volcanic stone and lava, rent into deep chasms and fissures, effectually 
preventing any advance except under his direct fire," — Pillow's Re- 
port,) it was impossible to bring up the few pieces of artillery, ex- 
cept by the actual and laborious transportation effected by the 
soldiers ; and even the light troops advanced with great difficulty. 
A very brief notice of the topography of the region will give some 
idea of the relative positions of the contending parties. To begin at 
San Augustin, which lies from the capital about south by west, 
you find the main road to the city winding north, northeast, north 
by east and northwest, that is, describing a sort of semicircle, of four 
or five miles in extent, to avoid the Pedregal, the right of which 
extends to the road, and gives it its form : leaving the Pedregal, the 
direction is nearly due north to the city. The hacienda of San An- 
tonio is at the extreme east of the Pedregal, and about north-north- 
east of San Augustin. The Pedregal extends thus from San An- 
tonio northward for five or six miles, where it connects with the 



76 EL PUCHERO, OR 

mountains. It lies north, a little way to the east, and a long way 
to the west of San Augustin, while Contreras is beyond it, bearing 
about west-northwest from that town. The Pedregal is impassable 
for all wheeled vehicles, though there are some winding paths 
through it, which may be traversed afoot, or on horseback. Now 
the Mexican camp at Contreras was on the summit of a lofty hill, 
communicating by a good road, which passed immediately by it, 
with the city, through San Angel ; but it was inaccessible, appa- 
rently, from the side of the Pedregal, overlooking the last completely : 
there was, in fact, no advance except under the direct fire from it. 
The site was chosen with ^^reat judgment ; for it was but reasonable 
to suppose that the natural impediments in the way of the attacking 
army, would keep it long enough exposed to the pointblank range 
from the camp, to cut it up completely, before the artillery could 
be got in place, if it could be done at all, or before small-arms could 
be made available. If the Mexicans had fought as well as they 
reasoned in the case, they would have remained masters of the field. 
Their fighting, indeed, was unexceptionable while their advantages 
served. When night suspended the combat, our army had sufiiered 
seriously ; the enemy little or none. During the evening, two small 
batteries. Captain Magruder's twelve-pounders, and Lieutenant Cal- 
lender's mountain-howitzers, had been planted in front of Contreras, 
but, attracting the fire from the heavier and more numerous pieces 
of the enemy, they were soon disabled. Lieutenant Callender was 
seriously wounded, Lieutenant Johnstone mortally, and many of the 
cannoneers were killed at their guns. General Scott was on the 
ground until the darkness made his presence useless, when he re- 
turned to his quarters, but not to rest, in San Augustin. As the 
contest waxed hot in the afternoon, he ordered out Shields' brigade. 
At a moment's warning, all hands were ready; and when in line, the 
officers of the Marine regiment had the mortification to learn that 
they were to remain, while the New Yorkers and South Carolinians, 
both already covered with laurels, were to join in the strife. At 
nightfall, the following troops were on the field, viz. : the 2d, or 
Twiggs' division of regulars, composed of Smith's brigade of mounted 
rifles, 1st artillery, and 3d infantry, and of Riley's brigade of 4th 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 77 

artillery, 2d and 7th infantry ; the 3d, or Pillow's division of regu- 
lars, (new regiments,) composed of Pierce's brigade, of the 9th, 12th, 
and 15th infantry; and Cadwalader's brigade, of the 11th and 14th 
infantry, and regiment of voltigeurs. The light battery of Captain 
Magruder of 1st artillery, and the mountain-howitzer battery, under 
Lieutenant Callender of the ordnance, were also attached to Pillow's 
division, but were temporarily assigned to Twiggs. Quitman's divi- 
sion of volunteers was represented, as stated above, by General 
Shields, with two regiments of his brigade, that is, the New York 
and "Palmetto" regiments. The general distribution of these troops 
was somewhat as follows, viz. : the batteries were planted in front 
of the enemy, partially covered by a ledge of rocks. General Smith's 
brigade was to support them, and to cover the advance of the party 
making the road. Riley's brigade was ordered to the right, to get 
between Contreras and any forces coming from the direction of the 
city, to support Valencia, there in command. As large bodies of 
troops made their appearance, Cadwalader's brigade was ordered to 
get to the rear of Contreras, to support Riley and check the Mexican 
cavalry. Pierce's brigade covered Smith's ; and Shields' two regi- 
ments were ordered out to the support of Riley and Cadwalader. 
The Mexican forces occupied the entrenched camp, flanked by large 
bodies of infantry with a strong cavalry force in the rear. 

The hero of Contreras may tell the rest of the story. 

^' Between us, (his own position and the Mexican batteries,) was 
about half a mile of lava rocks, almost impassable for a single foot- 
man, then a slope down towards a ravine ; on the opposite bank of 
which, were the road and the enemy's works, on a height called Con- 
treras. The front faced us, and the left flank swept the road below 
it, a turn forwards in the road bringing the work directly in the 
prolongation of the lower part of the road. The work had upwards 
of twenty large guns, was full of infantry, and large masses of in- 
fantry and cavalry were behind it, and on its flanks." 

He then went to the support of the batteries, which he says 
were soon disabled, Riley at the same time going to the right. 

" On examining the ground, it was evident we were advancing by 
the only path that crossed the broken bed of lava, and on which the 



78 EL PUCHERO, OR 

enemy were prepared to receive us, having cleared away all the bushes 
that obstructed their view. 

" The guns could go no further, and the infantry would, on its 
march down the slope, be exposed to a terrible fire, without knowing 
whether crossing the ravine below was possible. Being isolated 
from the division, I determined to try one of the enemy's flanks ; 
•and that on our right being preferable, as it would cut off his re- 
treat, I determined to move in that direction. Captain Magruder 
was directed to open his fire as we passed his rear, to occupy the 
enemy and mask our movements to the right. This he did most 
effectually, though suffering from a great loss, especially of ofl&cers." 

Leaving Lieutenant Haskins and twenty men of Major Dimick's 
regiment to supply the loss in a measure, and a supporting party of 
three companies of the 3d infantry, Gleneral Smith moved with his 
brigade, crossing two streams and deep and difficult gullies, to the 
village of Encelda (or Contreras), where he found Gleneral Cadwala- 
der with four regiments of Pillow's division. Observing large bodies 
of troops coming from the city. General Smith prepared to meet 
them, forming the three brigades, Cadwalader's, Riley's, which ar- 
rived about sunset, and his own, to meet them "formed in front, 
opposite to us in two lines, the infantry in front, and cavalry in the 
rear, about ten thousand strong." Smith ordered an attack ; but it 
soon became so dark that the enemy's line could not be seen, and 
the order was countermanded. It rained heavily all night, and the 
troops were without fire or shelter. Lieutenant Tower, of the engi- 
neers, came in during the night, and reported that infantry might, 
by following a ravine passing between the village and the main road, 
get to the rear of the enemy's works at the intrenched camp, but 
that it would be very difficult. " We had now in front and on our 
left flank, eighteen thousand Mexicans, with between twenty-five 
and thirty guns ; among the troops, six or seven thousand cavalry. 
We were, at most, three thousand three hundred strong, and without 
artillery or cavalry ; and it was evident that we could only maintain 
ourposition, which was of the utmost importance to the commanding 
General, by the most prompt and energetic action. I therefore 
directed an attack on the works at Contreras, by turning their rear 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 79 

before day." Captain Lee, of the engineers, undertook the bold 
and difl&cult task of returning to General Scott, to give him infor- 
mation of Smith's proceedings, and to ask that a powerful diversion 
be made against the centre of the entrenched camp towards morning. 
Captain Lee succeeded, and received General Scott's thanks, with 
the highest compliments. 

At 3 o'clock on the morning of the 20th, the troops left their 
wet bed, and in the densest darkness followed up the ravine under 
the guidance of Lieutenants Tower and Brooks, through mud and 
over rocks until daylight, when Riley's and Cadwalader's brigades 
rushed to the charge, carrying everything before them. " Riley's 
first cleared the work and planted their colours on it." Smith's 
brigade, under temporary command of Major Dimick, was on the 
track of the others, but " when nearly opposite the work, seeing a 
large body of the enemy on its left flank, I ordered Major Dimick 
to fiice the brigade to the left, and, advancing in line, to attack this 
force in flank. This was done in the finest style, and the 1st artil- 
lery and 3d infantry, mounting the bank of the ravine, rushing 
down the next and up its opposite bank, met the enemy outside of 
the work, just as Riley's brigade poured into it, the whole giving 
way. Cavalry formed in line for the charge, yielding to the bayonet 
of our foot, the rout was complete, while Riley's brigade cleared 
the work," &c. Colonel Morgan's regiment (15th infantry) 
had been ordered on the evening of the 19th by General Scott 
(through General Pillow, to whose division it belonged) to the 
hamlet of Contreras, to check the reinforcements coming to the 
enemy from the city. When Shields came up from San Augustin, 
General Scott ordered him to the support of Morgan. Shields, 
with his New York and Palmetto regiments, reached the village 
about midnight, but finding Smith " had made the most judi- 
cious arrangement for turning and surprising the Mexican position 
about daybreak, was not willing to interfere" (Shields' Report), 
though the senior ofiicer in the village. " He reserved to himself 
the double task of holding the hamlet with his two regiments 
against ten times his numbers on the side of the city, including the 
slopes on his left, and in case the camp in his rear should be car- 



80 ' EL PUCHEKO, OR 

tied, to face about and cut off the flying enemy." (Scott.) While 
Riley's brigade, conducted by Lieutenant Tower, of the engineers, 
and Cadwalader's, conducted by Lieutenants Beauregai-d, of the engi- 
neers, and Brooks, of General Twiggs' staff, were attacking on one 
side, under General Smith, Colonel Ransom, with his own (9th) 
regiment, and portions of the 3d, 12th, and Rifles, conducted by 
Captain Lee, from the side opposite the Mexican front and centre, 
" made the movement to distract and divert the enemy ; but, after 
crossing the deep ravine in his front, advanced and poured into the 
works, and upon the fugitives, many volleys from his destructive 
musketry." (Scott.) 

Upon Smith's leaving the village with his temporary division for 
attacking the camp from the rear, Shields very skilfully spread out his 
handful of men (5 or 600) over the ground occupied at nightfall by 
the various brigades and regiments there assembled. He had fires 
made at daybreak, as though the men were preparing their break- 
fasts. The Mexicans in camp seeing at that hour a force descending 
vipon them, and no apparent diminution of troops in the village, 
thought the Americans had received considerable reinforcements, 
which added greatly to their confusion and alarm. During the re- 
treat, Shields fell upon them, '' the Palmetto regiment, crossing a 
deep ravine, deployed on both sides of the road, and opened a most 
destructive fire upon the mingled masses of infantry and cavalry ; 
and the New York regiment, brought into line lower down on the 
roadside, delivered its fire with like effect. At this point many of 
the enemy were killed and wounded, some three hundred and sixty- 
five captured, of which twenty-five were ofiicers, and amongst the 
latter was General Nicolas Mendoza." (Shields.) 

Upon the capture of the works at Contreras, the 4th regiment 
of artillery had the extreme gratification of recovering the two brass 
six-pounders lost by them at Buena Vista, though ^'without loss of 
honour;" for it will be remembered that the gallant O'Brien fought 
them until not a man was left at the guns, and himself crawled away 
crippled, after contributing so greatly, by losing his guns, to saving 
the day. There were taken, in all, " twenty-two pieces of brass 
ordnance, viz., four Spanish sixieen-pounders, seven hundred pack 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 81 

inules, and many horses, and an immense number of small arms, which 
we destroyed. After directing the prisoners and property to be col- 
lected, I directed the pursuit to be continued," &c. " We killed 
seven hundred, took fifteen hundred prisoners, among them several 
generals." 

Among the killed on our side, were Captain Hanson of the 7th 
infantry, and Lieutenant Johnstone of Magruder's battery, both of 
whom were highly esteemed officers. 

'■'■ The force present on our side at Contreras, including Greneral 
Shields, was about 3650 men ; that of the enemy about the works, 
7000, under Valencia, and in their reserve 12,000, under the Presi- 
dent, Santa Anna." 

Such is the rather extended sketch of this great victory. The 
quotations, not credited, are from the perspicuous report of Brigadier- 
General (now Major-General) Persifer F. Smith, who did so much 
on that occasion for his own and his country's glory. 



LETTER XIX. 

General Worth at San Antonio — General Quitman remains at San Augustin 
— Duties of the Surgeons — Battle continues (at Churubusco) — Losses of 
New York and South Carolina Regiments — Petition of the Marine Officers 
— Fall of Churubusco — Merit of the Army — Unity — National Strength — 
Mexico deficient in the most important Elements of a People, and there- 
fore essentially Weak — Note — Some Details of the Battle of Churubusco. 

San Augustin, Valley of Mexico, August. 

When it was known that Contreras was taken, the Marines and 
2d Pennsylvauians returned to this place, while the victorious 
divisions of Pillow and Twiggs, and Shields' brigade, continued in 
pursuit of the enemy. The brigade detached from Worth's com- 
mand, like ourselves, reached the ground after the conflict was over, 
and returned to the body of the division before San Antonio. In 



82 EL PUCHEKO, OR 

the mean time Worth had been by no means idle ; he was left with 
his single division to take San Antonio with its strong garrison. 
It was very difl&cult of access, for he had to approach by the open 
road, to be enfiladed by the batteries from the fortification, or turn, 
on the one hand over the Pedregal, or on the other over a low, 
swampy plain, intersected by ditches. He sent a brigade (Clarke's) 
to cross the head of the Pedregal, while the other (Grarland's) he 
ordered to attack by the road, when the former was ascertained to 
be iu position for turning the works, attacking in the rear, and 
cutting off the enemy's retreat. His success proved the judicious- 
ness of his arrangements ; and after news reached the Mexicans of 
Valencia's defeat at Contreras, the contest was soon decided. Worth 
captured a number of pieces of artillery, inter alia, and, what was 
more important, large supplies of ammunition, desirable in the ex- 
treme to our army, whose supply was comparatively very limited, at 
the same time that we had the advantage of finding it exactly where 
most wanted, thus saving the labour, expense, and risk of trans- 
portation. 

Our portion of Quitman's division, which had been temporarily 
relieved by Harney's dragoon brigade, remained in charge of priso- 
ners, stores, &c., during the continuance of the bloody fight, which 
continued from Contreras and San Antonio to the fall of Churubusco. 
During these contests, we were in constant expectation of an attack 
for the capture of the valuable munitions of war under our charge, 
the recapture of prisoners, &c. In the afternoon, a squadron of our 
dragoons had a brush with a large irregular force, some two miles 
distant from the village. We were ordered out to the support; but 
the enemy fled, and dispersed as we approached. In the mean time 
San Augustin was becoming a grand hospital. The surgeons, following 
the movements of the army, did all that men could do in the field 
for the wounded — night and day, without shelter, in sun and rain, 
they gave their devoted attentions. After the first temporary di'ess- 
ings, they sent their wounded to the various establishments con- 
verted for the time into hospitals. 

An incessant roar of artillery, and rattling volleys of small arms, 
gave us constant tidings of the work going on during the 20th of 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 83 

August ; but how the tide of battle was running, we knew not : we 
augured well, however, of the present and future, from the past. 
The troops in reserve were fretting and fuming that they were not 
allowed to participate in the bloody strife ; for, fearful as are the 
horrors of war and the details of the battle-field, he has no soldier's 
heart who can hear the clang of arms, and look upon the wreathing 
smoke as it ascends from the scene of slaughter, where his com- 
patriots are battling and shedding their life's blood, without wishing 
to share at once their dangers and their triumphs. Occasional 
rumour.s reached us, giving uncertain information of the course of 
events. Among others, we learned that the South Carolina and 
New York regiments, with which we had been so much associated, 
had each lost, during the day, one-half of their already diminished 
numbers, and that the gallant Colonel Butler, of the former, who 
had left his sick bed to lead his regiment, was among the slain. 
They are noble fellows, those "Palmettos" — as brave as they are 
polite and genei'ous, and withal possessed of a vein of chivalry 
that seems to belong to a past age. The rumours proved nearly 
correct ; both of these gallant regiments suffered severely, both in 
officers and men — the Colonel of the one killed, the Lieutenant- 
Colonel severely wounded,* and the Colonel (Burnett) of the New 
Yorkers wounded also, very dangerously. 

So great was the anxiety of the officers of Marines to take part in 
the engagement going on, that they drew up a most earnest petition 
to the Commander-in-chief, representing their peculiar position, how 
they had left their regular line of service to participate in the for- 
tunes of the army, and how deeply they felt being left in a position 
of inactivity during scenes so exciting. Colonel Watson called on 
General Quitman in relation to it; but from the conference with 
that officer, who was lamenting the necessity that kept him also in 
the background, he was deterred from sending the petition. Gene- 
ral Quitman thought there was yet much to be done, and that he 
would be enabled to give his division an opportunity to win soldiers' 
laurels, or soldiers' graves. The Marines consequently continued in 
the discharge of the duty assigned them. 

* The brave Lieutenant-Colonel Dickinson ; his wound proved mortal 



84 EL PUCHERO, OR '- 

! 

The battle continued to rage until Churubusco shared the fate of ; 
Contreras and San Antonio. Our people fought like lions, braving j 
danger at the very cannon's mouth. Our entire army, under its ', 
immortal chief, was in at the death, except the fragment of it re- 
maining here ', and none can say which portion fought best. There i 
stood, side by side, regulars and volunteers, new regiments and old, i 
all daring everything, accomplishing everything. The conduct of j 
the old army is an imperishable eulogy on the system of military I 
education given to the officers at the sterling school, so justly prized i 
and cherished by the nation ; the conduct of the new troops proves I 
that our great country bears in its bosom the natural materiel for ] 
war, as abundantly as for the prosperous arts of peace. One great ] 
secret, undoubtedly, of our success, is owing to the vniti/ of feeling j 
that pervades the army. We are but a handful here, far from home, j 
and surrounded by thousands, ay, millions of enemies. Defeat is , 
annihilation; — we may therefore die, arms in hands, hut we must 
not be defeated. The question is equally of life and death, as of 
honour and glory ; and victory is the only road to self-preservation. , 
Here we are, from all quarters of our glorious Union, acting in the j 
same concert as if all were the children of one state, or one family. I 
May the Ruler of nations grant that it be ever so with our beloved 
country ; that wisdom and harmony govern her councils ; and we ^ 
have nothing to fear from any human power. In my travels, which j 
you know have been somewhat extended, never have I seen the i 
peace, happiness, and prosperity that rests upon the soil of our great J 
republic. Would to Grod every man, woman, and child nurtured in i 
its bosom could see and know the difference between their own 
favoured condition and that of those not enlightened by the broad, '. 
diffusive beams of universal education, nor cheered by the blessings 
of civil liberty ! The blighting spirit of discord could then never 
find a resting-place among a people knowing, by comparison, their | 
strength and their happiness. 

In this country, Mexico, so far as my observation goes, there is 

wanting the fii'st element of national greatness, i. e. a people. What ; 

matters it that a population of seven or nine millions of human j 

beings occupy the same soil, if between them there is no harmony, j 



i 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 85 

no fellowship ? Such is the condition of things here — aristocracy 
and dregs — the sturdy middle class, the bone and sinew, ay, the 
vital element, exists not here. The most important link in the social 
chain is wanting or defective; the nation's heart, for I may term 
it so, scarcely throbs. What marvel, then, that the body is puny 
and sickly ? 



Note. — The 20th day of August, 1847, stands upon the annals 
of our history, marked by a victory, or a series of victories, as bril- 
liant as any known in the records of wars. The Mexican forces 
averaged with the Americans as three to one ; at San Antonio, Con- 
treras, Churubusco, (the church, and the Tefe du pant, or bridge- 
head,) they had strong fortifications, exceedingly difficult of approach ; 
with heavy batteries mounted, with sufficient .skill to make good use 
of them ; they fought in sight of their lax'ge and beautiful capital ; 
on their own plains, surrounded by their altars, their homes, and 
their families ; with the greatest advantages, natural and artificial, 
and with all incentives to a glorious defence ) yet, with not enough 
to repel a handful of bold invaders, or to save themselves from an 
overwhelming defeat. 

General Scott, in his report of the " Battle of Mexico," divides 
this great victory into five brilliant parts, as follows, viz. : the first, 
the taking of Contreras ; from which the victors passed on, one por- 
tion under Twiggs, to the attack on Churubusco, the other, under 
Pillow, to the assistance of Worth, at San Antonio : before reach- 
ing that point, however, Worth had turned and captured the fortifi- 
cation, making the second great act of the drama, and was on his 
way, in pursuit of the retreating enemy, to the important defences 
at Churubusco. On the road directly before him, lay the formidable 
Tete du jJont, or head of the bridge crossing the Rio Churubusco, 
where there was a " strong field-work with regular bastions and 
curtains," surrounded by a deep wet ditch. While Worth's division 
and a portion of Pillow's were attacking the Tite du pont, the battle 
was raging at two other points ; that is, at the church or convent of 
San Pablo, and on the main road to the city beyond the bridge. 

8 



86 EL PUCHERO, OR 

When the body of the army from Contreras reached Coyoacan, a 
village some two miles from San Antonio, and one from Churubusco, 
the Commander-in-chief made the following disposition of his forces. 
By a road leading to the former, he directed General Pillow to pro- 
ceed with Cadwalader's brigade to attack that place in the rear, and 
to cut ofiF the retreat of the enemy ; by the road to the hamlet of 
Churubusco, on the side of the fortified church, he sent Twiggs with 
his division, preceded by Lieutenants Stevens and Smith of the 
engineers, with a company of sappers and miners, and accompanied 
by Captain Taylor's field battery, to attack the convent, beyond which 
the road debouched at the bridgehead, some two hundred and fifty 
yards distant. The two roads just indicated, with one leading direct 
(the main road) from San Antonio through the hamlet, and by the 
church to the bridge, (continuing on to the city,) made an in*egular 
triangle, of which Coyoacan was at one angle, San Antonio at an- 
other, and the works of Churubusco at the third. While Pillow and 
Twiggs were pursuing their respective courses, the General-in-chief 
sent first. General Pierce with his brigade, and shortly after, Shields 
with his, by a road indicated by Captain Lee, to the left of that 
taken by Twiggs, " to attack the enemy's right and rear, in order 
to favour the movement upon the convent, and to cut off the re- 
treat towards the capital." The third, fourth, and fifth, " brilliant 
events" of the day, then, were successively, the taking of the bridge- 
head by Worth's division, and Cadwalader's brigade of Pillow's ; 
the taking of the church by Twiggs' division; and Shields' victory, 
with his temporary division of Pierce's brigade of Pillow's, his own 
brigade of South Carolinians and New Yorkers, and Twiggs' reserve 
under Major Sumner, of the Rifles, and Sibley's company of dragoons, 
over a force of four thousand infantry, and three thousand cavalry. 
It should have been mentioned that Pillow, finding Worth had 
carried San Antonio, did not proceed to that place, but under in- 
structions from the Commander-in-chief, leaving the road, '■'■ imme- 
diately turned to the left, and, though much impeded by ditches and 
swamps, hastened to the attack of Churubusco." After the works 
were taken at the bridgehead. Pillow and Worth pursued the retreat- 
ing enemy on the main road, where thev fell in with Shields, who 



i 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 87 

had completed his achievement. A spirited chase was kept up, for 
some miles, led by Kearney's company of Harney's dragoons, the 
brigade having been ordered up by Greneral Scott before he left 
Coyoacan. Kearney heard not, or heeded not, the recall when 
sounded, and charged, with the squadron, to the defences at the gate 
of the city, where he was severely wounded, (losing his left arm,) as 
were many of the officers and men with him. 

The whole remaining force of the Mexican army, of all arms, 
amounting to about 27,000 men, was assembled at Churubusco '^ in, 
on the flanks, or within supporting distance of the works," while 
the American army at that point, (deducting the reserve at San 
Augustiu, the troops left in charge at Contreras, sick, wounded, &c.,) 
amounted only to between eight and nine thousand. 

The general results of the day are thus stated in the report of the 
Commander-in-chief. " It (our army) has in a single day in many 
battles defeated 32,000 men ; made about 3000 prisoners, including 
eight generals, (two of them ex-presidents,) and 205 other officers ; 
killed or wounded 4000 of all ranks — besides entire corps dispersed 
and dissolved — captured 37 pieces of ordnance — more than trebling 
our field train and siege batteries — with a large number of small- 
arms, a full supply of ammunition of every kind, &c., &c. 

"These great results have overwhelmed the enemy. Our loss 
amounts to 1053 ; (Jdlled, 139, including 16 officers ; loounded, 876, 
with 60 officers.) The greater number of the dead and disabled 
were of the highest worth. Those under treatment, thanks to our 
very able medical officers, are generally doing well." 

The party left under General Quitman, at San Augustin, is noticed 
in the same report as follows : — 

" I regret having been obliged, on the 20th, to leave Major-Gene- 
ral Quitman, an able commander, with a part of his division — the 
fine 2d Pennsylvania volunteers, and the veteran detachment of 
United States Marines — at our important depot, San Augustin. It 
was there that I placed our sick and wounded, the siege, supply and 
baggage trains. If these had been lost, the army would have been 
driven almost to despair; and considering the enemy's very great 



88 EL PUCHEKO, OR 

excess of numbers, and the many approaches to the depot, it might 
well have become emphatically, the poU of lumour T 

In a sketch like the above, it cannot be expected that justice 
should be done the respective divisions, brigades, and regiments, 
much less to individuals concerned, distinguished on that remarkable 
day — the only aim of the author of the Letters has been to give some 
general information, accurate, so far as it goes, because drawn from 
the best sources, of the current and permanent events of that im- 
portant part of the war. He will, in an appendix, give the names of 
such officers as distinguished themselves, with a notice of the honours 
bestowed upon them by the government. He does not doubt but 
that some one, more competent than himself, will one day give, what 
is very desirable, a complete military history of the war. 



LETTER XX. 



Army restrained from entering tlie City — Increased means of Offence — A 
Truce— (The Armistice) — The Sick — Rumours — Conversations with Citi- 
zens — Their Character and Condition — No respectable Villagers — A Mexi- 
can Household — A kind Lady — Death of an Officer. 

San Augustin, Valley of Mexico, August, 1847. 
The troops, though much fatigued with their labours, watchings, 
and fastings, on the evening of the 20th might no doubt have car- 
ried the defences at the garitas (city gates) with ease, and entered 
the capital in triumph ; but Mr. Trist, United States Commissioner, 
and General Scott, thought a peace could be concluded the more 
readily for not inflicting that additional humiliation upon the Mexi- 
can people. Notwithstanding our loss of men, which, though small 
comparatively, is very considerable, the large number of heavy 
pieces of ordnance and the immense supplies of ammunition taken 
at the various points of defence, have afforded us some material 
advantages for siege or bombardment ; besides taking so much from 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 89 

the efficiency of the enemy. When fully expecting to enter the 
city at once, it was announced to the army that a treaty was pending 
for peace, during which time there would be a suspension of hosti- 
lities : in consequence, we are now lying idle. The commanding 
General is at Tacubaya, a suburban village two or three miles from 
the capital ; Mr. Trist is with him ; and General Worth with his 
division is quartered there. The remaining divisions of the army 
are quartered in other pretty and pleasant villages between this and 
Tacubaya. I should not have said we were idle — our corps is 
fully engaged. We have not only a large number of wounded 
in the hospitals, but the great exposure of the men at the time 
of the battles had its influence, though not felt immediately. 
A great many persons, officers and men, were out night and day, 
without provisions, blankets, or shelter ; and though they bore the 
vicissitudes of the weather, the midday sun and the midnight 
shower, with apparent immunity, the efiects are felt now that the 
excitement is over. There are enough of such diseases as are inci- 
dent to camps to keep the surgeons employed, even if there were 
no wounded. These are contingencies of war that are not often set 
down in the reckoning, though they should be always. Many a 
valuable life is sacrificed, and many more constitutions broken in 
war, besides those given up on the battle-field. 

The armistice, let it result as it may, gives us a little breathing 
time, and some opportunities of looking around us. It is tantalizing, 
indeed, to look upon the great city in the distance which we may 
never enter ; but a general impression is abroad in the army, of Punic 
faith on the part of the enemy, and that there will be no peace until 
the capital is in our possession. We have daily, almost hourly, 
fliying reports, of what is to be done ; — one day, peace is certain, and 
we return shortly to our homes — the next day, or hour, informs us 
that, hopeless of peace. General Scott is about to make immediate 
arrangements for an active bombardment. These conflicting rumours 
keep up a perpetual suspense ; but there are few besides the commis- 
sioner, who would not rather take up arms again, than leave without 
entering the capital. Our people are not willing now to turn their 
backs on the " halls of the Montezumas," without the revel for 

8* 



90 EL PUCHERO, OR 

which they have toiled and fought so hard. My host, that is, the 
person whose house gives me present shelter, is a very respcctahle 
and intelligent old gentleman, from the city. He informs me that 
there all the better people desire peace, almost on any terms; that 
the common people are too ignorant to have an opinion (worth the 
name) about it, but that they are essentially pacific; and that the 
war men are adventurers and emjiloyes of the government, or of 
factions, having nothing to lose, and who can only hope, like scum, 
to keep on the surface during commotion. 

Circumstances have thrown me considerably into the society of 
residents here, and among the better classes I find a high degree of 
intelligence, refinement, and good breeding — in this village we 
found a large proportion of well-dressed and educated people ; they, 
however, are from the city, and came out as to a place of refuge, 
supposing themselves safe from witnessing the horrors of war. 
They found themselves, however in the midst, at different times, of 
both armies ; first, the Mexican, which moved here to meet us, 
when it was discovered that we were taking this route ; and then 
ours occupying the town as they vacated it. Coming here was a 
sad mistake, for between Santa Anna's levies, and the approach of 
our army, supplies were cut off from the citizens, and some of them 
before the armistice went into operation, were likely to die of starva- 
tion. Some persons, apparently in good circumstances, applied to 
myself and others, for fragments of the hard, dry bread used in the 
army, for the nourishment of their families. 

None of the vj^pcr ten reside in villages, or small towns. My first 
impression on reaching this place was that it was well supplied with 
gentry, but I soon learned that the greater portion were mere visiters, 
fled temporarily from the city, while others have their casas de campo 
(country-seats) here, to which they repair for a season every year. 
The villages have no residents pretending to social rank; the padre, 
or curate, and the alcalde, who is generally a small shop-keeper, are 
the most important personages. The remaining inhabitants are 
principally mestizos, in whom the aboriginal traits preponderate 
greatly. 

A little politeness on my part, together with my lame Spanish, 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 91 

soon put me on a friendly footing with the proprietor of this house, 
and his family, that is, the male portion of it. The old gentleman, 
though a native of this country, was educated in Spain, married 
there, and held a colonel's commission in the Spanish army during 
the Peninsular war. He there saw active service under his personal 
friend Espartero, and acquired that knowledge which marks and 
distinguishes the man of the world. He was wounded at length in 
a charge of cavalry, trodden down by a troop of horse, taken priso- 
ner by the French, and detained to the end of the war. His suffer- 
ings brought on a disease of the chest, which obliged him to return 
to his native country; though he was called at the same time by 
another motive, to prevent the threatened confiscation of his Mexi- 
can estates. He has about him here all the appendages of wealth; 
that is, beautiful grounds, highly ornamented, coaches, horses, mules, 
servants, &c., &c. His two sons, with their wives, young and hand- 
some women, and their sweet, bright, and ruddy children ; a niece, 
a soltera (spinster), as fair as the morning, and a nephew, her bro- 
ther, constitute his present family. They looked upon my entering 
the house, as a disagreeable intrusion which had to be endured, but 
finding I spoke their language, and that I carefully abstained from 
intruding upon their privacy, they soon became sociable, and then 
intimate. They authorized me to invite any of my friends to take 
apartments in their spacious house, upon which I brought three 
reliable gentlemen, who with myself, constituted a mess. They 
treated us with all politeness, except introducing us to the ladies ; 
that, however, we could not but pardon, as we were such entire 
strangers ; bearded worse than the pard (for few used the razor 
on the march), and dressed as people might be, whose scanty ward- 
robe had been soaked with water, saturated with dust, and rolled 
in the mud, times and again. But woman is woman the world 
over. A young ofiicer of Marines was brought to the house, ill, 
dying; the "ministering angel" saw not her country's enemy, but 
a suffering brother far from home and friends; she felt for the 
young and hapless wanderer ; for the fond mother, who knew not 
her impending loss ; for the tender sister, who looked with feelings, 
perhaps of exultation and pride, to the joyful day of her brother's 



92 EL PUCIIERO, OR 

return J she saw the tears of their disappointment and grief; and 
she, a highborn and lovely Mexican woman, prepared with her own 
hands such little delicacies as only the skilful hand of gentle woman 
can make acceptable to the perverted palate of the victim of disease. 
I had heard much of the kind-heartedness of Mexican women — here 
was a practical proof; and the lady's frequent application to me to 
know what she could do, and what would be suitable, exposed the 
deep sensibility of her feeling heart. The youth died ; and though 
far away from those who loved him best, he had at least the gentle 
ministering of this kind family ; and soldiers' tears accompanied the 
volleys that were fii-ed over his grave. 



LETTEE XXI. 



Return Home of the City Folk — Diligencias — Captured Deserters — A Mexi- 
can Country Town — Residences (Casas de Campo) — Gardens — Fruits — 
Gamblers' Festival — Colonel Watson, Military Governor. 

When the armistice went into effect, nearly all the good folks 
from the city repaired to their homes ; the village was enlivened by 
dozens of diligencias, that is, the regular stage-coaches of our States, 
reminding one much of home, and differing only in the teams, which 
are here of six mules, four leaders abreast. There was a general 
breakup, leaving only the permanent residents, a poor set, our 
division, and the prisoners of war. Among the latter are some forty 
deserters, who fought desperately at Churubusco and elsewhere, 
under Major Riley, who deserted from our army about the beginning 
of the war. He expects to be hung, but denies the justice of it, as 
he calls himself a British subject. Our kind friends left with the 
rest, inviting us to their home in case of ever reaching the city. The 
place of their residence is somewhat remarkable — Calh del Puente 
de Jesus (Jesus Bridge Street). While here, they showed their 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 93 

good-will by bringing us many little luxuries money could not pro- 
cure, from their own stores — invited us at times to their table, which 
was set with G-alicia ham, cakes, the neverfixiling dulces (sweet- 
meats), chocolate, wines, &c. We had nothing to oiFer in return 
but a little civility. — I mentioned that this might be considered a 
very pretty village, and will give a slight description of it, as it 
may answer as a general type of most places of its class. It has 
then, first, its plaza, or square, in the centre, with a large church 
and enclosure on the east side, a large fonda with its portales, and 
some private mansions on the north; pulquerias, tiendas (shops), 
&e., on the west and south sides. The whole is about 400 feet 
square. Beautiful shade-trees are set uniformly through it, so that 
it is a pleasant walk, even during the heat of summer. The streets 
are rectangular, and there are many handsome houses, generally of 
one story, and never over two. They are of stone, plastered, white 
or light-coloured, with flat roofs and parapets ; large windows open- 
ing to the floor, having iron balconies in front on the second floor, 
or a close grating on the lower — a necessary precaution against the 
various classes who have not a proper regard for the tenth com- 
mandment. The outside rarely gives an idea of what is within, — 
not, indeed, that the houses are handsomely furnished ; on the con- 
trary, they are almost bare; but of the courts, gardens, fruits, 
flowers, and fountains, which are universal. The house we occupy 
may be taken as a specimen of the whole. The entrance is by a 
porte-cochere from the street. As the house is quadrangular, you 
find yourself in a clean square court, well paved with smooth flag- 
stones ; in the middle of the court is a fountain, garnished with 
vases of growing flowers. Four well-trimmed orange trees adorn 
the angles. Within, the rooms all communicate with each other by 
doors ; there are no passages, but on the sides presenting to the court 
are covered balconies, communicating with some of the roonis. One 
of the peculiarities of the houses, and a very awkward one, is that 
of passing through a suite of rooms to get at those towards the re- 
mote end. It not unfrequently happens that you pass through the 
family bed-chambers to reach the parlour. In the best houses, how- 
ever, the difiiculty is corrected generally by piazzas or balconies, as 



94 EL PUCHERO, OR 

in this case. In rear and to the right of the dwelling are the stables, 
coach-house, and other outhouses. Immediately in rear of the house, 
and extending, indeed, largely on both sides, is a noble garden of 
a couple of acres, teeming with fruits and flowers. It is beautifully 
laid ofi" in squares, is adorned with summer-houses and sparkling 
fountains ; a great variety of fruits now hang on the trees. There 
are fine apples, peaches, pomegranates, alligator pears, mangoes, 
oranges, &c., &c., — not, however, all in equal perfection. The 
oranges, for instance, are only ornamental, being both bitter and 
sour; all that are good in the market come from the tierras calientes. 
Our host enjoined it upon us at his departure to use all the fruits of 
this paradise as if our own ; he cautioned us against the oranges, but 
we tried them for ourselves, without the solicitations of any curious 
Eve, and were soon satisfied. An old gardener and his family hold 
the place divided with us. The house itself has little that is orna- 
mental ; a little fresco painting adorns the walls of the piazzas. 
Among the views is one of the castle of Chapultepec, a powerful 
fortification, built by the Count of Galves, when viceroy, and now 
used as a military school, at the same time that it is the most for- 
midable work that guards any of the entrances to the city. Our 
house has no chimneys nor fire-places, not even in the kitchen ; the 
cooking is done with charcoal fires, on ranges of small furnaces, built 
up in the middle of the floor. 

The common houses are built of adobes, or large sun-dried bricks, 
which answer very well in this climate, and look well, too, when 
whitened. All the fine houses, it must be recollected, are the 
country-seats of people of wealth from the city. San Augustin is 
distinguished for its fine gardens, but more for an annual fiesta of 
gambling, when all classes repair here, from the president to the 
squalid lepero, and spend, in various forms of gaming, at the vionte 
table, cockpit, &c., from thousands of ounces of gold and large 
estates, down to handfuls of miserable coppers. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Watson, the estimable commander of the 
Marines, is acting military governor of this place— no sinecure, con- 
sidering it devolves on him to sit as oidor, or judge, in the endless 
disputes between the residents and certain restless followers of the 
army. 



J 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 95 



LETTER XXI I. 

Variety in the Army — Citizen Followers — Their patriotism — Ai'mistice 
broken — War resumed — Orders to march — History promises success — 
Adieu to San Augustin. 

"Misery makes strange bedfellows," and war strange associa- 
tions. There may be found in our little army representatives of 
every profession, trade, and calling, practised in civilized life. The 
ranks present not only the drainings from the worthless and bad of 
our towns and villages, which may be expected, but also persons 
well to do in the world, well-informed, skilful in the mechanic arts, 
respectable husbandmen, doctors, lawyers, engineers, merchants, &c., 
some of whom have been reduced by misfortune, or intemperance, 
while others assumed their position from mere love of adventure. 
This admixture is most remarkable among the volunteers, many of 
whom gave up the comforts and even the elegancies of civil life, for 
the variety and novelty of a distant and dangerous campaign. 

The army followers are yet more varied : thus we have sutlers, 
and their stores ; printers, with their presses ; editors, reporters, 
players, circus-riders, with their fancy horses ; gamblers, jobbers, 
speculators, brokers, and certain frail but daring fair ones, damas 
cortesanas, who venture to face the dangers of war; besides a 
variety of nondescript characters : sailors turned teamsters ; dis- 
charged soldiers, proposing to be landlords, &c., &c., — so that even 
in our diminutive army, we have a little world ; all of which must 
be considered mere miniature of the immense bodies brought into 
the field during the great wars of nations beyond the Atlantic. We 
have only enough with us to give the idea of an army, that is, of a 
vagrant world. It is but just to say that many of the citizens 
accompanying the army, indeed a large majority of them, took an 
active part during the battles : some acted on the stafi" of generals and 
commanding officers; others enrolled themselves under Captain 
M'Kinstry, of the quartermaster's department, and did good service 



96 EL PUCHERO, OR 

as volunteer cavalry — every American, indeed, was a man in trying 
times ; and it required no articles of enlistment to wield the sabre, 
or shoulder the musket, during the emergencies of the battle-grounds. 
Our time has been passed here comfortably in some respects, but 
the busy tongue of Madame Rumour has always kept up a restless 
qui Vive, that dispelled easy tranquillity. We are at once, too near 
the capital, and too far from it. We are in the paradoxical condi- 
tion of the Irishman who is never at peace, except when fighting. 
Apparently, there is something now brewing which will bring affairs 
to a crisis. The conditions of the armistice required, inter alia, a 
free exchange of supplies between city and country, and between our 
army and citizens ; and, not only a suspension of hostilities, but of 
all offensive and defensive works, &c. ; both armies were to remain , 
precisely in statu quo ; we were to be allowed to purchase, on fair 
terms, the necessary pi'ovisions, but were not to receive reinforce- 
ments, (a condition binding on both, of course,) during the session 
of the commissioners to adjust a treaty of peace. An infraction was 
soon made by the Mexican mob. A train of wagons was sent to the 
city for supplies : the teamsters were set on, stoned, and dreadfully 
maltreated and injured ; but the mob was not responsible, and the 
parties in power disapproved, or pretended to disapprove of the 
attack, and there it seems the matter dropped ; but a more serious 
infraction has since come to light : the enemy has taken advantage 
of the lull to prepare defences, collect ammunition, cast guns, &c. 
The armistice, of course, died a natural death, as soon as these facts 
became known, and this day, (September 7th,) an express came from 
General Scott for the division to move on to some point near the 
city, for the purpose of attack. We will have bloody work, doubt- 
less ; but the troops appear to be anxious for it, and bent on entering 
the city : they are full of hope and confidence ; and though it seems 
impossible that that great capital should fall before such a mere 
handful yet the past, promises unbounded success. My own con- 
victions of a favourable issue have been much strengthened by read- 
ing a report made to General Jackson by a commissioner he appointed 
for inquiring into the contest between Texas and this country. The 
superiority of the Anglo-American race over the mongrel breed of 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 97 

Mexico, is there set forth in ixnmistakeable characters — the Ameri- 
cans beat them against all odds, and excelled them as much in the 
art of war as in the arts of peace. For this gratifying information, 
I am indebted to the Hon. Waddy Thompson's interesting '' Recol- 
lections of Mexico," of which I have just finished a hasty perusal. 

To-morrow morning, the volunteer division leaves San Augustin 
for another trial of prowess. Though anxious to move onward, I 
cannot leave without some regrets, as my associations here are agree- 
able ; but this is a life that breaks up all ties, beginning with the 
nearest and dearest, from the day a man leaves his own cherished 
fireside ; and snapping daily the feebler cords, made by transient 
fellowship and mutual good-will. The vicissitudes of fortune, how- 
ever, cannot sever the invisible chain that connects one, at any dis- 
tance, with the beloved home circle ; nor dispel the visions of hope, 
sweet hope, the true life-preserver, that buoys us up against the tide 
of adverse fate, until we are called to settle that reckoning to which 
we are hurrying, — it matters not, whether by the battle-field, or on 
the bed of down, surrounded, if not sustained, by all known conso- 
lations. 



LETTER XXIII. 

Female Fidelity — Battle of Molino del'Rey — Victory dearly bought — A Bar- 
barous Enemy — Santa Catalina — Fate of Deserters — San Angel — A Car- 
melite Convent — Mode of Confessing — Odd Shots — Hard Fare — Fruits of 
Fair Dealing — A Night March— Strategy — Broken Slumbers — An Acci- 
dent — The light of day introduces the Castle of Chapultepec. 

On the morning of the 8th, our division resumed the march, 
escorting a large train, and hundreds of prisoners. A set of volun- 
tary captives, wives, or queridas, accompanied the poor fellows, 
ministering to their wants as well as they were able. They were for 

9 



98 EL PUCHERO, OR 

the most part bareheaded and barefoot, with garments scant enough 
to show their limbs and busts of bronze, laden, some with infants, 
strapped on their shoulders ; others with such scant stores as they 
could command, for their husbands or themselves. They were un- 
interesting enough, except as displaying the beautiful feminine trait 
of fidelity in misfortune. 

A rapid and fierce firing of artillery and small-arms gave us notice 
that we were approaching the scene of a hot engagement ; but by the 
time our rear reached the hacienda of San Antonio, the contest ap- 
peared to be decided. A glowing account soon reached us of a battle 
won at Molino del Rey (King's Mill), near the great fortress of 
Chapultepec ; but as we advanced, the pleasure of triumph was 
shorn by the accounts of our heavy losses. Worth's division and a 
portion of Pillow's shared the laurels and the cypress. Dreadful 
havoc had been made in the very flower of our army ; and many of 
our bravest and best lay stretched upon the battle-field. American 
valour had triumphed, and the victory was complete, but at so great 
a sacrifice, that we might almost say, with the famous king of Epirus, 
" Another such would be fatal to us." 

During a temporary repulse, the ignoble hosts of the enemy sallied 
forth from their shelter to slay the wounded and mutilate the dead, 
as they lay where they had fallen. A feeling of exasperation, not 
unmixed with gloom, took possession of our people as this news 
reached them ; and there was that in their countenances that gave 
promise of more than avenging retribution. 

We passed through the venerable village of Coyoacan, and took 
quarters in the hamlet of Santa Catalina, which extends by straggling 
houses along the roadside, from the former place to the town of 
San Angel, where Twiggs' division was quartered. We had nothing 
to do but await the results of the reconnoisances going on for 
future operations. Meantime a disposition was made of a portion 
of the captured deserters. Sixteen of them paid the forfeit of their 
lives on the gallows, at the same moment, between this place and 
San Angel, about half a mile from my quarters. They had deserted 
and gone over to the enemy during the tear. Others, including 
Riley, who had deserted before the war, had the letter D branded 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 99 

on their cheeks, were whipped, are to be kept in irons until the war 
is ended, and then drummed out of the service. And all this was 
for giving up substance for shadow : they were lured from their duty 
by the magnificent promises of Santa Anna, bore the brunt of his 
battles, were poorly paid, and finished their career in damning 
ignominy. I have more than once seen the circulars of the crafty 
Mexican distributed by the roadside where our army was to pass, 
proposing the most tempting offers to the unprincipled and the 
unwise. However, though "many were called," few were found to 
be misled by the seducer. 

I visited San Angel on several occasions : it is a beautiful place, 
diflFering from San Augustin in being located on a commanding 
eminence, which gives a fine view of the city and surrounding 
country. The hill is crowned by a large church and convent, be- 
longing to the Carmelite order, reminding one, like so many objects 
in Mexico, of the middle age. The whole country, indeed, seems to 
be centuries behind ours. I sauntered through the buildings, and 
was pleased with the general air of neatness and order everywhere 
apparent. Still the cloisters are dank and gloomy, striking a chill 
through you as you traverse the long corridors. Without, however, 
the gardens and grounds, well kept and highly cultivated, with 
their avenues of shade-trees, looked very cheerful and inviting. The 
towers and dome of the church are enamelled with a mosaic-work of 
porcelain, the belfries laden with bells of many sizes, of various 
tones and richness, and the walls are adorned with many large and 
some fine paintings. I conversed a little with the monks, who were 
civil, polite, and sociable. While there, an American ofiicer, pro- 
fessing the ancient faith, asked me to inquire whether he could be 
shriven, he speaking not a word of Spanish, and the padres as little 
English. After some consultation, an affirmative answer was given ; 
he confessed, and I afterwards was curious to know the modus. He 
informed me he was assisted by an invisible interpreter, who read 
slowly through the tables of sins, as infractions of the command- 
ments, &c., each and every one separately, first in English, then in 
Spanish ; the penitent held the confessor's hand, unseen by the in- 
terpreter, which he pressed whenever he wished to admit a particular 



100 EL PUCIIERO, OR 

dereliction. By this complex process he relieved his oppressed con- 
science, and, I suppose, was absolved. 

Not a day has passed since the conclusion of the truce, without 
our ears being occasionally assailed by the boom of artillery. The 
firing is generally directed on reconuoitering, or other small parties, 
on exposed duty. 

We have had worse than soldier's fare of late : it is only with 
great difficulty we could obtain the commonest articles of subsistence. 
We learned that Santa Anna has had large foraging parties out, 
whose business was not more to supply themselves, than to prevent 
supplies from coming to us, by driving off cattle, &c. We have 
now an illustration of Scott's sagacity, as well as his honesty, in 
ordering all articles obtained to be fairly paid for. Had he adopted 
another policy, his army would probably have been disbanded before 
this, and roaming over the country in search of subsistence ; but the 
fact is, sellers find it to their interest to furnish us, and they will 
do it, in spite of Santa Anna. 

On the afternoon of the 11th, preparations were made for another 
move; and when the day was well spent, the division was in motion, 
standing directly for the garita del nino per dido, or the entrance 
from the village of San Angel. Our progress was very slow — re- 
markably ; we made frequent halts as soon as the darkness set in, 
and somewhere about midnight we passed Pillow's division, where 
his fires were burning as quietly as if there was nothing to be done 
but to cheer the guard with hot coffee. We had deviated from the 
direct road, but wherefore, or whither bound, was left to conjecture. 
Silence was enjoined, and we knew only there was a ruse de guerre, 
in which we were particeps. The night was quite cool, but dry; 
and whenever a halt was called, officers and men lay down on their 
arms by the roadside, ready at a whisper to rise for marching or 
assaulting. I was expecting a night attack on some garita where we 
were least expected. My attendant, as usual, was out of the way 
when wanted, and I had to take my snatches of rest wrapped in the 
oiled sheet I carried on my saddle, holding my horse by the long 
reins, and jerking at him every few minutes to keep him from 
treading on me. I soon found a friend in the same predicament, 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 101 

and we agreed to hold each other's horses, and sleep by turns. After 
that I enjoyed some half hours of repose. One had to choose his 
resting-place with great precaution ; a poor fellow, who did not dis- 
tinguish the road from the barren soil at the sides, had the misfor- 
tune to have his legs crushed by the passage of a heavy piece of 
ordnance. His sufferings appeared to be awful, but I have heard 
nothing of him since. Towards daylight we found ourselves passing 
through the smart town of Tacubaya. As the day broke, we saw 
the great key to Mexico, frowning Chapultepec, standing over and 
against us. The mystery of the night march was solved. 



Note. — G-eneral Scott, having sufficient proof of the double-dealing 
and treachery of his adversary, ordered reconnoisances to be resumed 
on the 7th of September, for the purpose of arranging his plans of 
attack on the city. During the afternoon of that day, large bodies 
of Mexican troops were seen hanging around the Moltnos del Rey, 
something more than a mile from Tacubaya, and about one-fourth 
or third of a mile from the works at Chapultepec. The Commander- 
in-chief had learned that the mills contained a cannon foundry, while 
near them, in a stone building called Gasa Mata, there was a large 
deposit of powder; and "having heard, two days before, that many 
church bells had been sent out to be cast into guns," the General 
understood the object of the enemy's presence there, and determined 
to "drive him off early the next morning, seize the powder, and 
destroy the foundry." 

He was impelled to this decision because he knew there was no 
cutting off communications between the foundry and city until Cha- 
pultepec was taken, which was on the direct road and overlooking 
both of them ; and he hoped further reconnoisances would enable 
him to turn Chapultepec, and enter the city by one of the southern 
entrances. The destruction of the foundry was of extreme impor- 
tance, as "our recent captures had not left the enemy one-fourth of 
the guns necessary to arm, all at the same time, the strong works 

9* 



102 EL PUCHERO, OR 

at each of the eight city gates." He accordingly ordered General 
Worth, with his division, "reinforced with Cadwalader's brigade, \ 
of Pillow's, three squadrons of dragoons under Major Sumner, and ' 
some heavy guns of the siege train under Captain Huger, of the i 
ordnance, and Captain Drum, of the 4th artillery," to carry his j 
designs into execution. ) 

As the engagement became more general than had been antici- j 
pated, and the enemy received reinforcements at various times, . 
General Scott ordered up Pillow with the rest of his division 
(Pierce's brigade), and Riley's brigade of Twiggs' ; but " the battle ' 
was won just as General Pierce reached the ground," &c. (Scott.) i 

Generals Scott and Worth made in person reconnoisances about ; 
and around the works at Chapultepec, &c., and Captain Mason, of , 
the Engineers, a " close and daring reconnoisance," immediately , 
about the present point of attack at Molino del Rey, &c. He disco- j 
vered that the enemy's line extended from that point to the strong ,. 
stone building, the Casa Mata, on the right; that "midway be- \ 
tween the buildings was the enemy's field battery, and his infantry ) 
forces were disposed on either side to support it." El Molino itself j 
is " a group of strong stone buildings, adjoining the grove at the foot 1 
of the hill of Chapultepec, and directly under the guns of the castle i 
which crowns its summit." 

General Worth's first object was to isolate the point of attack 
from Chapultepec and its immediate defences. Before day, on the 
morning of the 8th, he commenced his operations. Hot work was 
expected, but the full extent of the enemy's defences had been 
skilfully masked ; so that our troops only learned what they had to 
meet during the charge. General Worth had planted his batteries 
(the artillery under the general superintendence of Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel Duncan), detailed his storming party, assigned their parts to the 
different brigades, &c., and, as day broke, they were found as "accu- 
rately in position as if posted in midday for review." At dawn, 
Huger's heavy guns opened on the Mills. Wright's storming party, 
guided by Captain Mason and Lieutenant Foster, of the Engineers, 
charged upon the enemy's column, crossed bayonets with more than 
quadi-uple their numbers, drove them off, and got possession of the 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 103 

enemy's field battery; the latter, however, seeing what a mere 
handful was opposed to them, returned, and aided by a plunging 
and murderous fire from behind the parapets on the house-tops, 
struck down " eleven out of the fourteen officers of the command, 
and non-commissioned officers and men in proportion, including 
Major Wright, the commander, and Captain Mason and Lieutenant 
Foster, engineers, all severely wounded." 

This severe loss paralysed, for a while, the assailants ; but aided 
by the artillery, and supported by Cadwalader's brigade, the attack 
was resumed with fresh vigour. The buildings were carried by 
assault, our troops advancing by perforating the walls within, and 
mounting to the roof without, driving the immense superiority of 
numbers against them at the point of the bayonet. Meantime a 
desperate contest was going on at Casa Mata, " which, instead of an 
ordinary field entrenchment, as was supposed, proved to be a strong 
stone citadel, surrounded with bastioned entrenchments, and impass- 
able ditches — an old Spanish work recently repaired and enlarged." 
Our troops, entirely exposed, charged boldly up to it, though suffer- 
ing most severely ; of the three senior officers present, Lieutenant- 
Colonel Martin Scott was killed. Colonel Mcintosh, mortally, and 
Major Waite severely, wounded. The havoc, was so great, that the 
command fell into some temporary disorder. It fell back on Dun- 
can's battery, and there rallied. Returning to the charge, it masked 
the battery, which was supported by the Voltigeur regiment ; and 
at the same time, large forces of infantry and cavalry were ap- 
proaching on the American left flank, to support and reinforce 
the Mexican right. Duncan's battery, with the Voltigeurs " moved 
rapidly to the left to intercept them ; the cavalry came within ca- 
nister range, when the whole battery opened a most effective fire, 
soon broke the squadrons, and drove them back in disorder." Major 
Sumner's command of dragoons and mounted rifles at this time 
crossed the ravine to the left of Duncan's battery (passing under a 
most appalling fii-e from the Casa Mata), " where it remained, doing 
noble service, during the rest of the action." As the cavalry was 
repulsed, the Americans drew back from before Casa Mata, ena- 
bling Duncan's battery to open fairly upon it, until the enemy was 



104 EL PUCHERO, OR 

dislodged. " The guns of the battery were then turned upon the 
retreating columns, and continued to play upon them until beyond 
reach." 

" The enemy was now driven from every point in the field, and 
his strong lines, which he certainly had defended well, were in our 
possession. In fulfilment of the instructions of the commander- 
in-chief, the Casa Mata was blown up, and such of the captured 
ammunition as was useless to us, as well as the cannon-moulds found 
in El Molino del Rey, were destroyed." The command returned to 
quarters in Tacubaya, "with three of the enemy's four guns (the 
fourth having been spiked and rendered unserviceable), as also a 
large quantity of small-arms, with gun and musket ammunition, 
and exceeding eight hundred prisoners, including fifty-two commis- 
sioned officers." 

The enemy's forces engaged on the occasion " exceeded 14,000 
men, commanded by General Santa Anna in person. His total less, 
killed (including the second and third in command, Generals Val- 
darg and Leon), wounded and prisoners amounts to 3000, exclusive 
of some 2000 who deserted after the rout." The American forces 
" only reached 3100 men of all arms. The contest continued two 
hours, and its severity is painfully attested by our heavy loss of 
officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates, including in the 
first two classes, some of the brightest ornaments of the service." 
(Worth.) 

The above is an extremely condensed account of this remarkable 
engagement. The reports of the subordinate commanders are 
highly interesting, and the author of the letters has to regret that 
his limits do not allow him to draw from them. Our entire loss 
upon that occasion, amounted to, in the aggregate, seven hundred 
and eighty-seven men, including nine officers killed on the ground, 
and fifty wounded, some of them mortally. To name all who dis- 
tinguished themselves, is out of the question ; it would be merely 
to publish the names of all present; but the names of the gallant 
dead, who on that day ofi'ered up their lives to their country, may 
be here properly commemorated, viz., Lieutenant-Colonel Martin 
Scott, 5th infantry ; Lieutenant-Colonel William Montrose Graham, 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 105 

11th infantry; Captain M. E. Merrill, 5th infantry; Lieutenant 
W. S. Burwell, Lieutenant C. B. Strong, 5th infantry ; Captain Gr. 
W. Ayres, 3d artillery ; Lieutenant W. Armstrong, 2d artillery ; 
Lieutenant J. F. Farry, 3d artillery ; Lieutenant R. H. L. John- 
ston, 11th infantry. Those who died eventually of their wounds 
then and there received were. Colonel M'Intosh, 5th infantry; 
Captain E. K. Smith, 5th infantry; Assistant Surgeon William 
Roberts, serving with 5th infantry ; Lieutenant M. L. Shackelford, 
2d artillery; Lieutenant C. B. Daniels, 2d artillery; Lieutenant 
J. G. Burbank, 8th infantry; Lieutenant C. F. Morris, 8th in- 
fantry; Lieutenant R. F. Ernst, 6th infantry. 

They died as the patriot soldier should die, on the true field of 
honour, while gallantly engaged in the line of arduous and desperate 
duty ; and they left behind them a bright and glorious example to 
those who, entering their country's service, are willing to follow in 
their footsteps. 



LETTER XXIV. 

Bombardment of Chapultepec — Site of the Castle— Opening a Hospital — 
Watching the Shots — General Quitman reconnoitering — General Shields — 
Nights without rest — The Assault— An Active Gun — Steadiness of the 
Americans— Interested Spectators — Fall of Chapultepec — Death of Major 
Twiggs — Repair to the Castle. 

City of Mexico, September, 1847. 
For the last few days we have all been in a whirl of intense ex- 
citement. On Sunday morning (12th), our batteries, which had 
been planted during the night, opened on the dread castle of Cha- 
pultepec, and kept up all day a ceaseless cannonading. The Mexi- 
cans returned it with spirit, but without doing any execution, while 
nearly every shot from our side told upon their works. The castle, 
or fortress, is a magnificent building, crowning the summit of one 



106 EL PUCHERO, OR 

of the natural mounds so common in this country. It is doubly 
strong, by its own strength and by its elevation, which puts assail- 
ants at a great disadvantage. At many points the Castle is utterly 
inaccessible, because mounted on a natural wall of perpendicular 
rocks, surmounted by an artificial one : elsewhere the ascent is 
rugged, broken, now steep, now perpendicular for some feet, now 
over loose rocks lying on a slope, and intersected by rents and 
chasms. High walls and deep ditches fii'st intercept assailants at 
the base of the hill, to reach which, when the narrow highway is 
obstructed, it is necessary to traverse low swampy meadows. 

Being stationed near the gallant Drum's battery, with other in- 
cautious Americans, led by momentary excitement; I went several 
times to a point nearly in rear of his guns to observe the course of 
things, but as a crowd collected, including some horsemen, near the 
same spot, we were warned off, as giving the enemy a fair mark to. 
shoot at. The Marines were located, pro tempore, in line-shot with 
the batteries. I repaired there momentarily, until I learned that a 
house about a square distant had been selected for the temporary 
hospital of the division, where the surgeons were to assemble. I 
went to my post, and perhaps not too soon : a large ball from the 
Castle passed through the centre of the house occupied by the Marines, 
over the heads of most of them, and below Captain Terrett and 
others, on the house-top, making observations. I found my profes- 
sional brethren getting out their instruments and dressings, arranging 
tables for operations, &c., and having done the same, I mounted to 
the roof, to gaze at the rare spectacle before me, until my services 
should be called into operation. That was not soon, so I passed 
hours watching the shots as they took effect on the walls of the Castle, 
which they did in a way very gratifying to tis. Meantime parties 
of observation were out skirmishing with the enemy, and keeping 
up a perpetual ringing of musketry. Our own gallant Quitman was 
actively engaged, in person, making reconnoisances. Towards night 
the Castle was pretty well riddled, but it was understood that the 
next day the bayonet was to finish the work commenced by mortar 
and cannon. During the day, our brigadier. Shields, who seems to 
bear a charmed life, came into our apartment, and threw himself 



A MIXED DISH FKOM MEXICO. 107 

exhausted and covered with dirt, upon a rough bench prepared for 
the wounded. He did not get his fill of cannonading at Cerro Glordo, 
where he was shot through the chest, and received a wound that 
would have killed any but another Achilles. He took position on this 
occasion by the side of Captain Drum, and there stood, until knocked 
over by a maguey plant and soil, torn up by a ball that made directly 
for them. Weakened still from loss of blood and suifering, he was 
glad to find any resting-place until he could expose himself more 
profitably. Leading the storming party for the next day, was a duty 
scarcely desirable for the bravest; yet this gallant Irishman en- 
treated to be allowed to command it — to lead the forlorn hope, in 
person. At one time he thought his wishes would be granted; he 
communicated the fact to his aids, telling them, with flashing eyes, 
that on the morrow they might expect such work as had not yet been 
seen in Mexico. 

At night people are wont to sleep, to rest from their labours, but 
not so now — '* the times have been that when the brains were out 
the man would die," — but the times have changed; night marches, 
night watchings, fighting, caring for the wounded, &c., for many 
successive nights, seem to have changed the order of nature. On 
the night of the 12th, both parties laboured diligently in raising 
breastworks, repairing batteries, and so forth ; the Mexicans were 
fortifying the road to the city, sending or endeavouring to send, 
reinforcements to the Castle, while ours had to check and repel them, 
thus keeping up skirmishing until a very late hour. As the day 
dawned, the work was resumed, at first by the batteries, but at the 
same time a general preparation was making for assault. When 
our troops were first seen at the foot of the hill, all around me stood 
in breathless silence ; directly, they commenced the ascent, and the 
scene, hitherto so deeply interesting, now became intensely so. I 
was again on the house-top, heeding not the occasional wild shots 
from the Castle, that seemed to be intended for the American troops, 
yet not engaged, about us ; but gazing most intently on the motions 
of the contending columns, I scarcely dared to breathe. The guns 
from the Castle were in full blast ; the hillsides and summit were 
alive with the enemy's light troops, pouring destruction into our slowly 



108 EL PUCHERO, OR 

ascending columns. But mark the course of things : onward and 
upward, slowly yet surely, moves the American host ; an irregular, 
but fatal fire for the enemy, is heard ; irregular, because each indi- 
vidual, or squad, seems to fire and climb, loading as he can. Is not 
the enemy falling back towards his strong defences? Certainly. 
See ! first one spot is vacated, then another — they are falling back, 
decidedly, clearly ! Behold, a villanous piece, at a redoubt half way 
or more up the steep — a long twelve, apparently — that is never 
silent ; it seemed at every shot to plough a way through the assail- 
ing column. The deepest pain was expressed in the countenance of 
every beholder about me. When noticing that piece, every man of 
us felt himself in personal torture. We could not see exactly its 
effects, for a turn of the hill ; but imagination filled out the picture. 
Like some insatiate monster, it passed through the throng of human 
beings, eating its way and leaving a great gap behind. But the 
column, undaunted, moved steadily onward ; sometimes there was a 
momentary suspense, but it was for physical obstacles; directly 
again, the onward, upward motion was resumed. You may imagine, 
but I cannot describe, what the feelings of the spectators were. I 
thought of all excitements I had ever known, or witnessed, and felt 
how far they fell short of this most engrossing spectacle. There 
were some scores of Americans perched up in trees, and on various 
house-tops, looking over the scene ; but the spectators of the other 
side were in numbers beyond all calculation, — surely there were up- 
wards of one hundred thousand. I looked at the city, where the 
domes and towers of the cathedral, the churches, and convents, were 
blackened with myriads of people — hosts stood upon the house-tops, 
and dense clusters of human beings on every elevation. All the 
while the work at the Castle was going on. The hated piece was cap- 
tured, and heads of regiments and companies were seen to sink in 
the ditch, then mount the walls. See them — they stop to wave the 
regimental flags, as they go over, then a period of the closest fight- 
ing, and shortly, the tricolour falls, and the American ensign waves 
over the proud Castle of Chapultepec. The troops most under my 
eye were of the 3d division of regulars, with a brigade of the 1st ; 
the operations of our own division, with Smith's brigade of the 2d, 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 109 

were scarcely to be seen from my point of observation. We (sur- 
geons) were immediately engrossed in our bloody work, when an 
express came for assistance at the Castle. Meantime, accounts were 
coming in to us rapidly, of our losses in capturing that great work ; 
and the first death I heard of was that of the gallant and highsouled 
Major Twiggs, of the Marine corps, who received his death-wound 
through the heart, at the head of a storming party, of which he was 
commander. In early life he earned merited distinction under the 
immortal Decatur, when his frigate, the President, after having 
whipped the Endymion frigate, fell a prey to the British fleet. 

I volunteered for the Castle, set out immediately, and reached 
there at the finale, when the last shots were being exchanged at 
the base with the retreating enemy. I had very soon the satisfaction 
of learning that the active piece at the redoubt had done no execu- 
tion whatever, as every shot passed over the heads of the assailants. 
It was not, and perhaps could not have been, sufficiently depressed 
to clear the steep hill below it. 



LETTER XXV. 

The Dead and Dying — Mangled Remains — Troops moving on for the City — 
Want of Comforts for the Wounded— Following up the Division— A Cau- 
tion to keep out of Harm's Way — Interview with Officers at the Garita 
of Belen— Return to the Castle— Duties there— Stoicism— The Corps of 
Surgeons. 

City of Mexico, September, 1847. 

Heaps of dead and wounded presented themselves to my vision 
on every hand as I approached the Castle. The wounded Americans 
were carried in as fast as possible ; the Mexicans, though there was 
every disposition to give them the attention humanity required, had 
to bide their time. Our losses had been heavy, but theirs greater 
incomparably, notwithstanding the shelter they had enjoyed to the 

10 



110 EL PUCIIEllO, OR 

last moment from their defences. Their dead bodies lay in masses of 
tens, twenties, or more, wherever there had been concentration ; some 
there were gasping in the last agonies, with their dark faces upturned 
to the sun, like fish thrown on shore by the angler, writhing and 
struggling in death ; others lay motionless, but an occasional gasp, . 
an upheaving of the chest, alone gave evidence that the vital spark 
had not entirely fled. Upon entering the Castle, I was arrested by •! 
some Mexican officers, who besought me to see a person, apparently j 
a general officer, to whom they were attending. One moment suf- | 
ficed. A ball had passed through his neck, another thx-ough his | 
head ; he was speechless and motionless, the blood was passing into : 
his windpipe, but his dying eyes seemed to say he knew his own j 
condition, as I believe he did. As his case was hopeless, I passed j 
immediately on, only pausing a moment to gaze on the fearful ■ 
mutilations of the human body lying around. There were crushed , 
heads, mangled limbs, and torn up bodies, brains, hearts, lungs, and 
bowels released from their natural confines, eyes hanging out from i 
their sockets, and all the lacerations and contusions that follow the i 
use of fu-e-arms, the sabre, or the bayonet. Brave officers, who had : 
just participated actively in the fearful scene, told me they had J 
enough of the horrors of war, and hoped never again to witness \ 
them. I soon was earnestly engaged in my occupations, lopping off ' 
crushed limbs, and dressing wounds, snatching occasional moments , 
to glance at the movements of the troops, as they moved along the | 
causeways, by the aqueducts, to the city. Along the direct road 
(Belen), for there are two from Chapultepec, passed Quitman's ] 
division, with Smith's brigade, of Twiggs', while by the other, or j 
San Cosme road. Worth and Cadwalader advanced. Riley's brigade, ! 
of Twiggs' division, was engaged at the southern gates of the city, i 
supporting Steptoe's and Taylor's batteries, which had been keeping ' 
up a ceaseless roar since Sunday morning. One of the first persons ' 
who called my attention at Chapultepec, was a gallant lieutenant of ; 
engineers (Tower), who had rendered distinguished services on many i 
occasions. He narrowly escaped with his life, as a ball cut the ( 
skin from the edge of his forehead. I put on a temporary dressing, j 
and he started off to i-ender new services, and run the gauntlet 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. Ill 

again. The Avounded were brought in vapidly; the "labourers were 
few," but most diligent in their duties ; yet the wounded suffered 
greatly for want of the most commonplace comforts. Such bedding 
as could be collected about the building was spread for them, but 
by far the greater part lay on the floor, or on the forms used by the 
scholars, for the castle was a military academy also, the West Point 
of Mexico. I had been at work for some hours, had attended to all 
of my own regiment who came under my observation, and to as many 
others as I was able to assist, when I felt impelled to go in pursuit 
of the regiment, to render service on the spot. As I passed up the 
causeway, it was strewed with dead ; a temporary battery, half-way 
along the road, had been captured, and the head of the column was 
said to be at the city gate. I met many stragglers returning, who 
gave the most discordant accounts of progress. No one knew any- 
thing in general, but only some little bit of detail that had passed 
under his own eye. All joined in one piece of advice — that is, I 
was riding up the middle of the road, with my case of instruments 
under my arm, reminding myself of old Dr. Sitgreaves in the Spy, 
when they advised me to dismount, and slip along close into the 
arches of the aqueduct, borrowing protection from the jutting sup- 
ports flanking the piers. The devastating and raking cross-fires 
down the road had taught our people this precaution ; and an oblique 
shot passing before me from the Paseo, decided me to follow their 
advice. I accordingly returned towards the Castle to dispose of my 
horse, and trudge up with less pretension. When near there, how- 
ever, I fell in with Surgeon-General Lawson, who was superintending 
his department with untiring zeal. He told me that the wounded 
from my regiment were all brought off as they fell, and that it was 
impossible for me to leave the Castle. I explained to him my 
wishes and intentions ; and, after reflection, he concluded it would 
be advisable for me to follow up the regiment, and learn of the 
commanding officer whether any of his command wanted immediate 
attention. I returned then, and accompanied the Surgeon-General 
to a house, converted into a temporary hospital, a mile from Cha- 
pultepec, where I left him, to pursue my solitary route. The am- 
bulances were bringing back full freights, and wounded mules and 



112 EL PUCIIERO, OK 

horses were straggling on the road. I soon came up with the rear 
of the column, now sheltered partially under the arches, inquiring 
of all I saw to be directed to the regiment I was in search of. No 
man could answer, however, for any one but himself; and as the 
twilight began to hide objects, I almost despaired. Pushing on, 
however, I found myself at length facing a double arch, that could 
be nothing but the city gate. Such it was, indeed, the garita of 
Belen; and there, adjoining, across the ditch that flanked the right 
side of the causeway, I found our estimable commander, with a por- 
tion of his officers and men sitting and lying down around him, 
waiting for further action. It was now dark, and the battle was 
quite suspended ; but the night was to be spent in active prepara- 
tions for an early attack on the citadel, about two hundred yards 
from the garita. So many were dead, so many were wounded ; a 
considerable detachment was missing, headed by a gallant captain 
(Terrett), a man of iron nerve, who was either dead or doing good 
duty somewhere. His fate, and that of his officers and men, was 
entirely unknown. After a little conversation, finding the wounded 
had been carried back, I repaired once more to the great hospital at 
the Castle. The 15th infantry had been left in charge, while the 
army pushed on to the city. That regiment, with the prisoners, 
the wounded, and the surgeons, were for the night the occupants of 
the fortress. I was fagged with labour, hungry, and sleepy ; but 
there was no rest to be had there. I passed the night operating and 
assisting the operations of others. At times I threw my weary 
person down on one of the benches for a little sleep, to enable me 
to continue my labours; but sleep had fled far from me, and the 
groans and cries of the sufibrers, the heavy tread of soldiers bringing 
in wounded, the flashing lights of the surgeons and attendants, dis- 
pelled the hope of a moment's repose. About midnight a con- 
siderate person boiled a little cofiiee for those who stood in need of 
it, or rather for such as saw it, for all were nearly famished ; and I 
found half a tincupful, without milk or sugar, but accompanied by 
a little dry bread, refreshing and renovating. Although there was 
immense sufiering among the wounded, they bore it genei'ally with 
remarkable stoicism ; men in their senses seemed to scorn to com- 



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A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 113 

plain, but lay patiently awaiting the operation, or the change that 
was to decide the prospect of life or death. In one instance, while 
taking off the forearm of a rifleman, a sturdy son of the Emerald 
Isle, with a shattered wrist, he conversed calmly during the ope- 
ration, uttering not a groan ; and the arteries were scarcely tied, 
before he was smoking a pipe borrowed from a comrade. Men 
seemed to feel cut off from human sympathies, and certainly were 
not unnerved, as is so common in civil life, by the kind and gentle 
attentions of friends. 

I must offer a passing tribute to the diligence and zeal of my 
colleagues ; some of whom passed hour after hour, night and day, 
without pausing for a moment's rest ; scarcely eating or sleeping 
for several successive days and nights. The medical corps of the 
army needs no eulogy, being equally distinguished for intelligence 
and high moral character ; while among their temporary associates, 
there are many young men of superior acquirements, who are taking- 
valuable lessons in this great school for practice. 



LETTER XXVI. 



Uuconditional Surrender of the City — Occupation of the Citadel — Street 
Fighting — Rifles versus Escopets — Proclamations — A sad City — Decked 
out with Flags -Return of tlie Absent — Shifting Quarters — Fatality 
among Field-Officers. 

City of Mexico, September, 1847. 
During the night of the 13th, our troops were making the ne- 
cessary preparations for bombarding the city. Worth's division 
was in occupation of the garita of San Cosme, and Quitman's of 
that at Belen. While anxiously waiting for the morning guns, 
that seemed now to be a matter of course, the news was passed that 
the Mexican army had vacated the city, and that the civil authori- 
ties had offered capitulation to the Commander-in-chief. Quitman 

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114 EL PUCUERO, OR 

occupied the citadel immediately, leaving there in garrison the 2d 
Pennsylvania volunteers ; he then moved on to the grand plaza, and 
palace. Scott rejected all terms with the citizens, requiring an uncon- 
ditional surrender, which could no longer be refused. lie entered 
the city triumphantly early on the morning of the 14th ; the stars 
and stripes were already waving over the national palace of Mexico; 
and we thought all contest was for a time at an end ; not so, how- 
ever. Santa Anna had opened the doors of the prisons, and turned' 
out thousands of felons, who, arms in hands, opened an unexpected 
fire in all quarters on our troops in the streets, while the assassins 
were half concealed on the house-tops, and sheltered by the parapets. 
The fire was quite destructive, and the more exasperating, as foul, 
unexpected, and cowardly. The villains were as unsuccessful as 
their army had been. In a little while our troops were on the house- 
tops ; the unerring rifle was opposed to the murderous escopet. 
The Mexicans were worsted, as they always had been ; they were 
driven from house to house, and from square to square, leaving 
their dead and wounded behind them. Worth's division surprised 
them, as at Monterey, by perforating the walls of the houses, and 
ascending upon them from below. Mountain howitzers were placed 
in lofty towers, which dismayed, as they dispersed, the felon army. 
It was a day's work, however, and even on the 15th and 16th, there 
was occasional skirmishing, receding from the centre to the outskirts 
of the city. General Scott issued a proclamation to the citizens, 
denouncing such warfare after the city had been fairly surrendered, 
and threatening the destruction of houses, and the execution of the 
occupants, wherever it was sanctioned or allowed. Holding in the 
other hand the olive branch, he expressed a most anxious wish to 
preserve the lives and property of citizens; he warned his own 
troops, at the same time, from any acts of injustice or unnecessary 
violence, under the severest penalties. The city authorities also 
published a proclamation, deprecating the attempts of the populace 
to oppose us. They declared that such warfare was only calculated 
to bring vengeance on peaceful and quiet citizens, and that the army 
having fled, such resistance was wholly unavailing. Between the 
proclamations, and our sharp-shooters, quiet was gradually restored, 



A MIXED DISH FKOM MEXICO. 115 

and the troops went into quarters. The gallant Marines occupied 
the national palace, which they found infested by thieving Icperos, 
who were ejected at the point of the bayonet. 

My own time was occupied passing to and fro, between the city 
and Chapultepee, where a large portion of the wounded remained 
for some days after the fall of the former. A general appearance 
of gloom pervaded the ancient city ; few persons were seen in the 
streets ; the shops were all closed ; grim artillery pieces stood as sen- 
tinels at the heads of the streets leading from the palace square j 
and the Mexican dead lay, for a time, where they fell, unburied. 
Waving flags, whether of truce or bearing the arms of neutral na- 
tions, flung out from every house, gave something of a holiday 
aspect to the silent mansions, and spoke of living tenants within. 
In time, our missing friends who were not at Belen, came dropping 
in; they, in the heat of the pursuit, had taken the course of the 
1st and 3d divisions from Chapultepec, and were for a time with the 
gallant Cadwalader, doing brilliant service. Some from the other 
divisions, had taken our course in like manner. All had enough to 
do, and how they did it needs no comment. The troops found only 
temporary quarters until a distribution could be made in reference 
to garrisoning the city; ours moved, for instance, to the Aduana 
(custom-house) ; thence to the spacious Dominican convent at hand ; 
and finally to a building used as a military college, in the street 
leading from the palace to the garita of San Antonio, near which 
was quartered the entire volunteer division. The command of our 
brigade fell on Lieutenant-Colonel Watson of the Marines, as since 
its formation his seniors had all been removed from the line of 
duty, — General Shields, by a most formidable wound of the arm, 
by which he was entirely disabled ; Colonel Burnett, of the New 
Yorkers, by a desperate wound of the foot ; Colonel Butler, of the 
Palmettos, by death on the battle-field, and Colonel Roberts, of the 
Pennsylvanians, by illness.* It may be added, too, as illustrating 
the scenes through which the brigade had passed, that nearly all the 

* It is inaccurately stated that the Pennsylvanians belonged to Shields' 
brigade. The regiment formed part of Quitman's division, but was not 
brigaded. 



116 EL PUCHERO, OR 

fiold-officcrs had been killed or wounded ; thus, of the Lieutenant- 
Colonels, Dickinson, of the Palmettos, and Baxter of the New 
Yorkers, had given their lives to their country, and Geary, of the 
Pennsylvanians, received an honourable wound. 



Note. — The admirable report of General Scott contains nearly 
everything in relation to the taking of Chapultepec and the city, in 
the way of exact knowledge, that would interest the general reader ; 
the author, therefore, thinks he could not do better than to extract 
freely from it, drawing at the same time moderately from other 
sources of information. 

The General opens by giving his reasons for striking at the city 
by Chapultepec, instead of by the southern entrances. The city is 
described as standing on " a slight swell of ground near the centre 
of an irregular basin, and is girdled by a ditch in its greater extent 
— a navigable canal of great breadth and depth — very difficult to 
bridge in the presence of an enemy, and serving at once for drainage, 
custom-house purposes, and military defence, leaving eight entrances, 
or gates over arches, each of which we found defended by a system of 
strong works, that seemed to require nothing but some men and guns 
to be impregnable. 

" Outside, and within the cross-fires of those gates, we found to 
the south other obstacles, but little less formidable. All the ap- 
proaches near the city are over elevated causeways, cut in many 
places, (to oppose us,) and flanked on both sides by ditches, also of 
unusual dimensions. The numerous cross-roads are flanked in like 
manner, having bridges at the intersections, recently broken. The 
meadows thus chequered are moreover, in many places, under water, 
or marshy ; for it will be remembered we were in the midst of the 
wet season, though with less rain than usual, and we could not wait 
for the fall of the neighbouring lakes, and the consequent drainage 
of the wet grounds at the edge of the city — the lowest in the whole 
basin." 

The General having made a personal reconnoisance of the southern 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 117 

entrances, under cover of Pillow's division and Riley's brigade, in 
presence of a fourfold number of the enemy, determined to seek less 
unfavourable approaches, but by a, feint to keep him under the im- 
pression that the attack was to be made by those entrances, accord- 
ing to his anticipations. General Scott then " ordered Quitman's 
division from Coyoacan to join Pillow, hy daylight, before the 
southern gates, and then that the two major-generals, with their divi- 
sions, should, hy night, proceed (two miles) to join me at Tacubaya, 
where I was quartered with Worth's division. Twiggs', with Riley's 
brigade, and Captains Taylor's and Steptoe's field batteries, the latter 
of twelve-pounders, was left in front of those gates, to manoeuvre, 
to threaten, or to make false attacks, in order to occupy and deceive 
the enemy. Twiggs' other brigade, Smith's, was left in sujiporting 
distance in the rear," &c. "The stratagem against the south was 
admirably executed throughout tlie 12th, and down to the afternoon 
of the 13th, when it was too late for the enemy to recover from the 
effects of his delusion. 

" The fii'st step in the new movement was to carry Chapultepec, 
a natural and isolated mound of great elevation, strongly fortified at 
its base, on its acclivities and heights. Besides a numerous garri- 
son, here was the military college of the republic, with a large num- 
ber of sub-lieutenants and other students. These works were in 
direct gunshot of the village of Tacubaya, and until carried we could 
not approach the city without making a circuit too wide and too 
hazardous. 

"In the course of the same night (11th), heavy batteries within 
easy ranges were established. Numbers 1 and 2, commanded by 
Captain Drum, Lieutenant Andrews, temporarily, of the artillery, 
and Lieutenant Hagner of the ordnance, were supported by Quit- 
man's division ; and numbers 3 and 4 were commanded by Captain 
Brooks and Lieutenant Anderson, of the artillery, the latter alter- 
nately with Lieutenant Stone, ordnance, and supported by Pillow's 
division. Captains linger of the ordnance, and Lee of engineers, 
traced and constructed the batteries, assisted by the younger officers 
attached to them. The batteries were intended to prepare the way 
for assault. Recent captures had not only trebled our siege-pieces, 



118 EL PUCHERO, OR 

but also our ammunition ; and we knew wc should greatly augment 
both by carrying the place. 

On the morning of the 15th, Pillow and Quitman had been in 
position since early on the night of the 11th. Worth was ordered to 
hold his division in reserve, near the foundry, to support Pillow; 
Smith's brigade was ordered to support Quitman. Riley's brigade 
continued actively engaged before the southern gates, with Taylor's 
and Steptoe's batteries, '■'■ holding there a great part of the Mexican 
army on the defensive." 

Additional storming parties were furnished ; from Worth's divi- 
sion, 250 men and officers, under Captain M. Huger, of 2d artillery, 
to Pillow ; and from Smith's brigade, another, under Captain Casey, 
2d infantry, to Quitman. Each of them was supplied with scaling 
ladders. At a concerted signal the columns advanced to the assault 
" with an alacrity that gave assurance of prompt success." General 
Pillow was struck down by a wound as he advanced on the west side, 
and his command devolved on Cadwalader. One brigade of Worth's 
division (Clarke's), was ordered to support Pillow at his call. 

'■'■ The broken acclivity was still to be ascended, and a strong re- 
doubt, midway to be carried, before reaching the Castle on the heights. 
The advance of our brave men, led by brave officers, was necessarily 
slow, though unwavering, over rocks, chasms, and mines, and under 
the hottest fire of cannon and musketry. The redoubt now yielded 
to resistless valour, and the shouts that followed announced to the 
Castle the fate that impended. The enemy was steadily driven from 
shelter to shelter. The retreat allowed not time to fire a single mine 
without the certainty of blowing up friend and foe. Those, who at 
a distance attempted to apply matches to the long trains, were shot 
down by our men. There was death below as well as above ground. 
At length the ditch and wall of the main work were reached ; the 
scaling ladders were brought up and planted by the storming parties \ 
some of the daring spirits, first in the assault, were cast down, killed, 
or wounded ; but a lodgment was soon made, streams of heroes 
followed ; all opposition was overcome, and several of our regimental 
colours, flung out from the upper walls, amidst long-continued shouts 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 119 

and cheers, whicli sent dismay into the capital. No scene could have 
been more animating or glorious. 

''Major-Grcneral Quitman, nobly supported by Brigadier-Generals 
Shields and Smith, his other officers and men, was up with the part 
assigned him. Simultaneously with the movement on the west, he 
had gallantly approached the southeast of the same works over a 
causeway with cuts and batteries, and defended by an army strongly 
posted outside, to the east of the works. Those formidable obstacles 
Quitman had to face, with but little shelter for his troops or space 
for manoeuvring. Deep ditches, flanking the causeways made it 
difficult to cross on either side into the adjoining meadows, and these 
again were intersected by other ditches," Smith's brigade was 
stretched out to the right to present a front to the enemy outside, 
and to support Quitman's storming parties, commanded, the one by 
Captain Casey, 2d infantry, until, when wounded, he was relieved by 
Captain Paul, and the other by the gallant Major Twiggs of the 
Marine corps, who fell at the head of his party, when he was suc- 
ceeded by Captain Miller, of the 2d Pennsylvanians. Paul's storm- 
ing parties took two batteries, many prisoners, &c., while Miller's 
accompanied Shields' brigade and the Pennsylvania volunteers, 
crossing '■'■ the meadows in front under a heavy fire, and entering the 
outer enclosure of Chapultepec, just in time to join in the final 
assault from the west." 

General Scott then compliments officers, regiments, &c., particu- 
larly distinguished ; including all the general officers, the voltigeurs, 
the 9th and 15th infantry ; the storming parties ; Colonel Clarke's 
brigade, &c. ; and portions of the United States Marines, New York, 
South Carolina, and 2d Pennsylvania volunteers, which, delayed with 
their division (Quitman's) by the hot engagement below, arrived 
just in time to participate in the assault of the heights, particularly 
a detachment, under Lieutenant lieed. New York volunteers, con- 
sisting of a company of the same, with one of Marines;* and an- 
other detachment, a portion of the storming party under Lieutenant 
Steele, 2d infantry, after the fall of Lieutenant Gantt, 7th infantry." 

* Under Lieutenant D. J. Sutherland, of that corps. 



120 EL PUCHERO, OR 

In the mean time, the heavy batteries under the officers first men- 
tioned, and superintended by Captain Huger, did faithful service ; 
while practicable they kept up their fire over the heads of our troops, 
and thereby kept the force in the Castle reduced to its minimum; 
a mountain howitzer, under Lieutenant Reno, of the ordnance, ac- 
companied the Voltigeurs. 

The operations of the troops heretofore mentioned, were on the 
west, southeast, and heights of Chapultepec. At the base of the 
mound, to the north, where it was inaccessible, the 11th infantry, 
under Lieutenant-Colonel Hebert, and the 14th, under Colonel 
Trousdale, with Captain Magruder's field battery of the 1st artil- 
lery, "had some spirited affairs against superior numbers," drove 
ofi" the enemy, captured a battery, &c. 

When the Castle was taken, the General-in-chief ascended to the 
top to get a full view of the field before him towards the city. The 
two roads, passing, one to the right, to the garita of Belen, the 
other to the left obliquely, to intersect the western or San Cosme 
road, are each " an elevated causeway, presenting a double roadway 
on the sides of an aqueduct of strong masonry and great height, 
resting on open arches and massive pillars, which, together, afford 
fine points both for attack and defence. The sideways of both 
aqueducts, moreover, are defended by strong breastworks at the 
gates, and before reaching them." 

" Worth and Quitman were prompt in pursuing the retreating 
enemy — the former by the San Cosme aqueduct, and the latter 
along that of Belen." 

Clark's brigade and Cadwalader's were immediately ordered by 
General Scott to accompany Worth; while Pierce's brigade was or- 
dered to join Quitman — the heavy artillery to folloAv each column 
as soon as practicable. The 15th infantry, under Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel Howard, was left to garrison Chapultepec. Gleneral Scott ac- 
companied Worth along the road to San Cosme, and found no 
obstacles prepared for the occasion, to repel him ; at the first bat- 
tery, or line of defence, there was not a single gun, which proved 
to him that the enemy expected us to fail at Chapultepec, 
or that if successful, the attack against the city would continue 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 121 

from the south, where Twiggs was still keeping up active, but de- 
lusory operations. 

As Worth entered the suburbs of San Cosme, he was assailed 
from windows and house-tops. He ordered forward the mountain 
howitzers, "preceded by skirmishers and pioneers, with pickaxes 
and crowbars, to force windows and doors, or to burrow through 
walls. The assailants were soon put in an equality of position 
fatal to the enemy." By 8 o'clock in the evening. Worth had car- 
ried two batteries in this suburb. (At the taking of one of these 
^^ it became necessary , at all hazards, to advance a piece of artillery 
to the evacuated battery of the enemy, intermediate between us and 
the garita. Lieutenant Sunt was ordered to execute this duty, 
which he did in the highest possible style of gallantry, equally sus- 
tained by his veteran troops, with the loss of one hilled and four 
wounded out of nine men, &c. Reaching the breastwork, he became 
muzzle to muzzle with the enemy. It has never been my fortune to 
loitness a more brilliant exhibition of courage and conduct." Worth.^ 
Between 8 and 9 o'clock, Riley joined Worth with his brigade of 
Twiggs' division; earlier in the evening, Steptoe's battery rejoined 
Quitman. 

Scott, knowing that San Cosme afforded the easiest entrance to 
the capital, only intended Quitman to manoeuvre before, and 
threaten Belen, to favour the main attack by Worth ; as Belen was 
directly under the guns of the strong fortress called the Citadel, 
and within convenient supporting distance from the southern gates. 
The largest force was assigned to Worth for the main attack. 
Quitman understood this distinctly; "but being in hot pursuit, 
gallant himself, and ably supported by Brigadier-Generals Shields 
and Smith, — Shields badly wounded before Chapultepec, and re- 
fusing to retire, — as well as by all the officers and men of the column, 
Quitman continued to press forward under flank and direct fires ; 
carrying an intermediate battery, and then the gate, before 2 o'clock 
in the afternoon, but not without proportionate loss, increased by 
his steady maintenance of that position." 

Here fell the gallant Captain Drum and Lieutenant Benjamin of 
the 4th artillery ; Lieutenants Moragne and Canty, of the South 

11 



122 EL PUCHERO, OR 



Carolina volunteers, and many l>rave non-commissioned officers and | 
men, besides many of all grades, wounded. Quitman, within the ; 
city gate, passed the night making preparations for taking the Cita- ; 
del, &c., but meantime a deputation from the ayuntamlento {G\iy\ 
council) oifered the capitulation of the city; Santa Anna, the army, ; 
and the government, having fled under cover of the darkness. \ 
General Scott refused all terms except such as were imposed by i 
himself and required by the dignity and honour of his country. I 

The city was taken possession of on the morning of the 14th, 
when the street fighting commenced, and continued until suppressed I 
as mentioned in the letters. ! 

Our total loss on the l'2th, 13th, and 14th of September, I 
amounted to, killed, 130, including 10 officers; wounded, 703, in- 
cluding 68 officers (many of the wounded have since died) ; miss- 
ing, 29. Total 862. 

Our grand total of losses in the valley of Mexico, amounted to 
2703, including 383 officers. | 

''On the other hand, this small force has beaten, on the same 
occasions (all the battles of the valley), the whole Mexican army,, 
at the beginning, of thirty odd thousand men, posted always in I 
chosen positions, behind entrenchments, or more formidable de-' 
fences of nature and art ; killed or wounded of that number, more ; 
than 7000 officers and men; taken 3730 prisoners, one-seventhi 
officers, including 13 generals, of whom 3 had been presidents of' 
this republic ; captured more than 20 colours and standards, 75 pieces i 
of ordnance, besides 67 wall-pieces, 20,000 small arms, an immense! 
quantity of shots, shells, powder," &c. i 

The remains of the Mexican army were dispersed in various small i 
fragments ''without magazines or a military chest, and living atj 
free quarters upon their own people." I 

The author has made such copious extracts from General Scott's i 
report, that neither time nor space will allow him to draw upon j 
others as their interesting contents merit. He will, however, add! 
a few more, drawn from the lucid report of General Quitman, and i 
others, as illustrations of the course of events on the great occasions ! 
under notice. ' 



A MIXED DISH FROM BIEXICO. 123 

" Perceiving that all preliminary dispositions were made (for the 
as.sault at Chapultepec), Major Gladden, with his regiment (Pal- 
metto), having passed the wall by breaching it, the New York and 
Pennsylvania regiments having entered over an abandoned battery 
on their left, and the battalion of Marines being posted to support 
the storming parties, I ordered the assault at all points. 

"The storming parties,* led by the gallant officers who had 
volunteered for this desperate service, rushed forward like a resist- 
less tide. The Mexicans, behind their batteries and breastworks, 
stood with more than usual firmness. For a short time the contest 
was hand to hand ; swords and bayonets were crossed, and rifles 
clubbed. Resistance, however, was vain against the desperate 
valour of our brave troops. The batteries and strong works were 
carried, and the ascent of Chapultepec on that side, laid open to an 
easy conquest." 

Captain Casey was disabled by a severe wound, and his command 
devolved on Captain Paul, 7th infantry, who distinguished himself 
greatly. '■'■ In like manner, the command of the storming party 
from the volunteer division devolved on Captain James Miller, of 
the 2d Pennsylvania regiment, by the death of its chief, the brave 
and lamented Major Twiggs, of the Marine corps, who fell on the 
first advance at the head of his command." 

"Simultaneously with these movements on our right, the volun- 
teer regiments, with equal alacrity and intrepidity, animated by a 
generous emulation, commenced the ascent of the hill on the south 
side. Surmounting every obstacle, and fighting their way, they 
fell in and mingled with their brave brethren in arms, who formed 
the advance of Major-Greneral Pillow's column. Side by side, amid 

* Quitman's stormmg parties were 13 officers and 250 men, of Twiggs' 
division, selected for the occasion from the Rifles, 1st and 4th artillery, and 
2d, 3d, and 7th infantry, under command of Captain Casey, 2d infantry ; 
and another of 120 officers and men, of the volunteer division, under com- 
mand of Major Twiggs, of the Marines. A pioneer storming party of choice 
men, also selected from the volunteer division, and under command of Cap- 
tain Reynolds, of the Marines, was provided with ladders, pickaxes, and 
crows, to accompany Twiggs' stormers. 



124 EL I'UCIIERO, OR 

the storm of battle, the rival colours of the two commands struggled 
up the steep ascent, entered the fortress, and reached the buildings," 
&c. General Bravo, the commander of the Mexican forces, was 
taken prisoner by an officer of the New York volunteers. 

As large bodies of the enemy were on the direct road to the city — 
(the road, it must be remembered, is '^a broad avenue, flanked by 
deep ditches and marshy grounds on either side," the aqueduct, or 
its series of arches, passing along the centre) — General Quitman 
ordered his command forward as soon as supplied with ammunition, 
drove back the enemy, took a strong battery thrown across the road 
about a mile from Chapultepec, which resisted obstinately, but was 
carried by assault by the Rifles, who were in advance, with the aid 
of an eight-inch howitzer under Captain Drum. The column was 
here reorganized for an attack on the batteries at the city gate 
(Belen). The Rifles and Palmettos were placed in advance, "three 
rifles and three bayonets under each arch," sujjported by Shields' 
brigade. Marines and New Yorkers, the Pennsylvania regiment, and 
Smith's brigade, "with a part of the 6th infantry, under Major 
Bonneville, who had fallen into this road. In this order the column 
resolutely advanced from arch to arch of the aqueduct, under a 
tremendous fire of artillery and small-arms from the batteries at the 
garita, the Paseo, and a large body of the enemy on the Piedad 
road to the right, extending from the left of the garita." A de- 
structive enfilading fire from that road was stopped by a few rounds 
of canister from a piece under Captain Drum, and Lieutenants Ben- 
jamin and Porter. "At twenty minutes past one, the garita was 
carried, and the city entered from that point." General Santa Anna 
commanded in person at the garita, until he no longer hoped to save 
it, when he repaired to that at San Cosme, "there to try his fortune 
against General AYorth." 

"On our approach to the garita, a body of the enemy, who were 
seen on a cross-road threatening our left, were dispersed by a brisk 
fire of artillery, from the direction of the San Cosme road. I take 
pleasure in acknowledging that this seasonable aid came from Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Duncan's battery, which had been kindly advanced 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 125 

from the San Cosme road in that direction, by Greneral Worth's 
orders." 

The capture of the garita by no means stopped the fight. Our 
heavy ammunition was soon expended ; the enemy, perceiving which, 
"redoubled their exertions to drive us out of the lodgment we had 
effected. A terrible fire of artillery and small-arms was opened 
from the citadel, three hundred yards distant, from the batteries on 
the Paseo, and the buildings on our right, in front. Amid this iron 
shower, which swept the road on both sides of the aqueduct, it was 
impossible to bring forward ammunition for our large guns. While 
awaiting the darkness to bring up our great guns and place them in 
battery, the enemy, under cover of their guns, attempted several 
sallies from the citadel and the buildings on the right, but were 
readily repulsed by the skirmishing parties of rifles and infantry. 
To prevent our flank from being enfiladed by musketry from the 
Paseo, Captains Naylor and Loeser, 2d Pennsylvania regiment, were 
ordered with their companies to a low sand-bag defence, about one 
hundred yards in that direction. They gallantly took this position, 
and held it in the face of a severe fire, until the object was attained. 
At night the fire of the enemy ceased." At dawn of day a white 
flag was brought Greneral Quitman, surrendering to him that for- 
tress, while "Captain Steptoe was preparing his heavy missiles," &c. 

A single extract from the report of Captain Magruder, of the 3d 
artillery, showing the spirit of the enemy with whom we had to 
contend, may be allowed to close the excerpts, perhaps too freely 
used, in the preceding pages. It is to record what he calls "a 
miserable trick, which, upon this occasion, might have created much 
inconvenience to my battery. Soon after the re-entrance of the 
cavalry (driven back to their entrenchments by the battery), a 
Mexican was seen running from the forts to us, and shouting. 
The officers and men naturally crowded into the open space to re- 
ceive him, or hear what he had to say, when one of our officers, who 
had been at Monterey, came up, and recognising the trick, explained 
it in a moment, — the object of the enemy being that we should 
crowd forward, attracted by this appeal to our sympathy on the part 
of a deserter, and when a sufficient number should be collected thus 

11* 



126 EL PUCHERO, OR 

together, without formation or order, in a spot of which he had 
measured his range, to explode his shells in rapid succession and 
to destroy us. The troops, however, were forthwith ordered to their 
posts ', and I had barely time to have the caissons and limbers re- 
moved further to the rear, when three or four shells burst, very 
rapidly, in the centre of the section, fortunately without any mate- 
rial injury to it — wounding, however, in two places, an oflGicer of the 
15th, who was temporarily on duty with it." 

Like the mines at Chapultepec, the trick, without hurting our 
people, only served to show the low resources to which the great 
army of Mexico was driven by a mere handful of brave men, led on 
by skilful and scientific officers. 



LETTER XXVII. 

Amusements versus War — Siipposed Causes of Fatality among the Wounded 
— Looking for a Boarding-house — Take Meals at a French Hotel, in the 
Street of the Holy Ghost — Earthquake — Followed by Sea-sickness — Gene- 
ral Quitman made Civil and Military Governor — Martial Law — Pillage 
not allowed — A Contribution levied — Humane disposition of it. 

City of Mexico, October, 1847. 

A FORTNIGHT after getting into quarters, the dangers and hard- 
ships of the battle-field were rarely recurred to, and all the great 
and stirring events that occurred since we reached this valley seemed 
to be gliding, among the actors, into the realms of oblivion. But 
we know that a great reacting swell will one day return here from 
our country and the world, and that the details so familiar, and trite 
even, on the field of action, will resound through the regions of all 
civilized nations. Few, however, I believe, think much, either of 
the past or future ; the temptations of a great capital are daily un- 
folding themselves, and young and old join in the pursuit of plea- 
sure. The hospitals alone show that we came here on no holiday 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 127 

excursion ; and many a good fellow, whose heart is panting for out- 
door enjoyment, has to lie patiently on his rough couch, waiting for 
time and the doctor to repair his ''shivered timbers." A good 
number of wounded died after reaching the hospitals, as much from 
previous exposure and frequent changes of place, as from the vio- 
lence of their wounds. The fatality, indeed, caused many of the 
men to believe that the Mexicans had used poisoned weapons, but 
without sufl&cient reason, as the deaths bore no unusual proportion 
to the injuries inflicted, allowing for the circumstances. It was ex- 
tensively circulated and believed that the Mexicans used copper 
balls, with what truth I know not ; but a canister shot I picked 
up at Chapultepec, and supposed to be copper, was in fact bell- 
metal, and was probably converted into its present use from motives 
of expediency or necessity on the part of the enemy, and not with 
the barbarous intent of inflicting poisonous wounds. 

When not engaged in professional duties, which are still quite 
onerous, I have generally passed my time in search of a quiet abode, 
where, domesticated with a respectable family, I could cultivate the 
language, and gain an insight into the manners and customs of the 
people, as shown in private life. The search has been useless, how- 
ever; no resident family, of modei-ate respectability, appears to be 
willing to admit inmates upon anything like the footing of boarders. 
I had at length to take to the dernier ressort, of " mine inn," where, 
with some friends, we enjoy a very pleasant, though somewhat ex- 
pensive, mess, under the supervision of a taut and tidy French- 
woman. We are living in hired quarters, near the barracks, and at 
some distance from the fonda; which last has not only the recom- 
mendation of a rosy-cheeked, bright-eyed landlady, balancing about 
on the meridian of eight-and-twenty, but it is remarkable for its 
cleanliness and the excellence of the table. If ever you come to 
Mexico, that you may find it without diflBculty, proceed to Holy 
Grhost Street (Calle del Espiritu Santo), and look out for the Bazaar 
de Grandes Muehles ; enter the clean and spacious court thereat, 
and ascend the broad stairway, at the head of which you will be met 
by Madame, all smiles, who, for the moderate sum of seven dollars 
a week, will give you daily breakfast and dinner, and a splendid one 



128 EL PUCHERO, OR 

too ; but you must pay as much more for lodgings, and trifling extras 
will triple the first charge. You cannot miss the place, as every 
shop almost in the street belongs to El Expiritu Santo ; thus we 
have the Holy Spirit's Tailor Shop, (Sastreria del Expiritu Santo,^ 
The Holy Spirit's Shoemaker Shoji, (^Zapateria del Espirihi, Santo,^ 
&c., all in one vicinity. 

Our people were much startled one fine morning not long since, 
by the occurrence of an earthquake of some violence, though by no 
means a first-rate specimen. Yet it was enough ; many of us, in- 
cluding myself, were made deadly sea-sick, before we had time to 
imagine the cause of it. I did not believe my own senses, that the 
massive walls before me were in motion, but thought the apparent 
motion was owing to some unaccountable dizziness that had seized 
me, and that I was reeling, as was probably the case. But shouts 
of " Earthquake !" from the men, and the sight of hundreds of pros- 
trate and kneeling Mexicans in the streets, soon explained the case. 
The heaving of the earth made on me exactly such impression as is 
made by a heavy ground swell at sea ; and many complained that it 
left upon them a quasi sea-sickness for several days. The city would 
probably have been levelled to the ground long before this, but that 
it stands on a soggy soil, that checks the vibrations of the earth, like 
the deadening of elasticity by a pith ball, suspended between those 
of ivory. I was told that upon the first shock, while the Mexicans 
ran out to pray, many of our troops ran instinctively to their arms. 

General Quitman, the able and gallant commander of the volunteer 
division, was appointed by the Commander-in-chief, civil and military 
governor of the city, very soon after our possession. Martial law 
prevails, and plunder and pillage, that some thought the lawful right 
of the victorious army, are most strictly forbidden. The regulation 
appears to me equally just and wise; just, because the city surrendered 
promptly and unconditionally, as soon as freed of the army that en- 
slaved it ; wise, because we have every reason to believe that had 
the troops been allowed to load themselves with plunder, it would 
have led to a great increase of immorality in the army, to the sub- 
version of discipline, and probably enough to utter destruction. The 
courage and bearing of the army are above all question; it has achieved 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 129 

more than wonders. During the late actions it cansed a loss to the 
enemy, in killed, wounded, and prisoners taken, equal to its own 
complement at its fullest, that is, of between ten and eleven thou- 
sand persons, besides dispersing many times that number, in addi- 
tion. Upon entering this city, of near 200,000 inhabitants, it pro- 
bably numbered but little over 5000 duty men, for we had an 
immense number of sick, besides the killed, wounded, and missing. 
Wisdom and moderation were therefore eminently necessary, and both 
demanded that we should not exasperate the citizens by robbing 
them, on the one hand, nor receive among us the certain seeds of 
destruction on the other. The conquering Spaniards, who preceded 
us here, three hundred years ago, were nearly brought to annihila- 
tion by their ill-gotten wealth ; Hannibal lost Rome by the corrup- 
tion sown in his army while revelling in the spoils of Italy ; the 
wary Alexander led his Greeks to endless conquest by making a 
bonfire of their riches gained in war, first throwing in his own. 

Greneral Scott allowed no plunder, but he demanded of the autho- 
rities a moderate contribution of $150,000, to be paid in four instal- 
ments, of which sum he made the following humane distribution : 
" Seventy thousand dollars shall be appropriated to the purchase of 
extra comforts for the sick and wounded in hospitals ; ninety thou- 
sand dollars to the purchase of blankets and shoes for gratuitous 
distribution among the rank and file of the army ; and forty thousand 
dollars reserved for other necessary military purposes." 



130 EL PUCIIERO, OR 



LETTER XX VII I. 

New Quarters— The City not on Dry Land — Brackish Water — Drinking 
Water — Aguadores — Amusements — El Teatro Nacional — Paseo — Alameda 
— Renewing Acquaintance — A Repast of Sweetmeats — Mexico Travestied 
— The Leperos or Greasers — Marriage truly de convenance. 

City of Mexico, October, 1847. 
My rooms are now in the Galle del Puente de Jesus (Street of 
the Bridge of Jesus), and are comparatively very comfortable. 
We occupied hitherto, officers and men, quarters at the Escuela 
Militar, a recently evacuated military college, held, however, by 
regular troops during our approach to the city ; we found it, 
like all other Mexican barracks, filthy in the extreme, and swarm- 
ing with vermin. As the officers had not sufficient room, we left 
there, a portion of us, rejoicing, hiring our present rooms through 
the quartermaster. It is malum prohibitum, to occupy private 
quarters except by permission of the occupants or owners, who re- 
ceive a fair rent. This street, as many others, is called of the Bridge, 
because, in former days, bridges and boats were required in nearly 
all parts of the city, and the name is retained, though the bridge 
has long since given way to a low, substantial pavement. Its sacred 
designation, which sounds so irreverent in our ears, is less so appa- 
rently, according to the Spanish pronunciation, Hai-soos. The city 
was formerly very subject to inundations during the overflow of the 
neighbouring lakes ; the immense di*ain, however, one of the most 
remarkable works of the kind in the world, now saves it from such 
inflictions ; still, it stands on but a crust of made soil, and a hole 
dug anywhere to the depth of three or four feet, finds brackish 
water. The drinking water is brought from a distance, (the nearest 
from Chapultepec,) by the aqueducts so often mentioned, that enter 
by Belen and San Cosme. There are abundant fountains in various 
parts of the city, supplied byt he aqueducts; and a set of men 
(aguadores^, water-carriers by profession, furnish families with the 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 131 

precious fluid, which they carry in huge earthen jars, suspended 
from the head by straps, and balanced, the larger one in front by 
the lesser between the shoulders. Two or three dacos, (eight clacos 
to the real, or 12 j cents,) will procure a day's supply. 

Amusements are abundant now ; more abundant, to my taste, 
than attractive. The city has five theatres, — the Nacional, for 
instance (lately de Santa Anna, but judiciously rechristened as 
his star was sinking), is among the first in the world, and only 
surpassed perhaps in size and magnificence by the Scala, at Milan, 
the San Carlos, at Naples, the Tacon, at Havana, and one or two 
others. There are now engaged fragments of various companies, 
Italian Opera, French, Spanish, and American actors, whose prin- 
cipal business is to amuse our army. I attended once or twice, but 
finding only a military audience, familiar faces, I determined to wait 
until the good people of the city chose to display there their hand- 
some features. Sunday is the great day for amusements; the 
theatre, circus (a company came with the army from the States), 
bull-fights, and other diversions, are in full operation. The Paseo, a 
beautiful drive, like an ancient race-course, straight for nearly a 
mile, shaded with young trees on both sides, with sidewalks and 
stone seats, its bubbling fountains adorned with sculptured figures, 
is frequented daily by the wealthy residents, in coaches and on 
horseback. On Sunday, however, when the sun is disappearing in 
the western horizon, it is absolutely crowded, and is the best place 
for seeing the fair and fashionable of Mexico. The Alameda, a 
beautiful park near the Paseo, is laid out in smooth walks diverging 
in rays from equidistant fountains; noble old trees shade the walks, 
and the intervening plots are of bright green grass, enamelled with 
shrubs and flowers. But walking is not fashionable in Mexico ; so 
the Alameda is generally relinquished to the French modistas (dress- 
makers, &c.), and others, who are too poor to breathe the aristocratic 
dust of the Paseo from their coach windows. 

From my engagements, I did not immediately look up my friends 
from San Augustin, but latterly have spent several pleasant even- 
ings with them. The old gentleman is an oracle of Spanish and 
Mexican history. His favourite topic is, of course, the Peninsular 



132 EL PUCIIERO, OR 

war, in which he played a part in his fourth act of the seven ages. 
He is a widower, but his two sons with their families live in adjoin- 
ing houses ; they are very polite and gentlemanly, and their wives, 
no longer strangers, are refined and handsome women. Mexican 
ladies appear to live on chdccs (sweetmeats), and this appears not 
only in the sweetness of their dispositions, but always on their 
evening tables. The mode is, to dine about five o'clock, then to 
drive to the Paseo, and upon the return, when it is quite dark, to 
take a course of dulces and chocolate. I was invited to one of these 
repasts a few evenings ago ; there was a beautiful display of cut 
glass and silver, and sweetmeats enough for a regiment of Ame- 
ricans. There was a variety of fine wines and liqueurs, some sand- 
wiches, imported cheese, bread, cakes, and the unfailing chocolate. 
I certainly never saw more beautiful sweetmeats, nor tasted finer ; 
but my Virginia taste dwelt on the few substantials present, and I 
punished most the Gralicia ham and the rich, fragrant Xeres (sherry) 
that flanked it. I knew my bearings with tliem. La Senora graced 
the head of the table. 

Mexico has undergone somewhat the same external revolution as 
the other cities through which our army has passed. Thus, all 
public and prominent places are frequented by crowds of our country- 
men; tavern and store signs announce American occiipation; so that 
a stranger, let down among us without a knowledge of recent events, 
would be sadly puzzled to know into whose kingdom he had 
fallen. The republican flag of the stars and stripes waves over the 
(once) vice-regal palace ; the Anglo-Saxon tongue prevails therein ; 
but without is a medley, in which a modified idiom of the Castilian 
predominates. Besides, the houses are all Spanish; the iron-grated 
windows are a sufficient proof of that ; and a mongrel, motley race, 
swarming in the streets, make it plain that the town is not what we 
call American. These are the leperos (or lazzaroni, in Italy), a half- 
naked set of mestizos, with brown hides, blackened by dirt and sun, 
whose profession consists, sometimes, of a little honest labour, enough 
to eke out their gains by begging and robbery. They are probably 
the lowest people in the civilized world, with no ideas of decency or 
morality. Marriage is rarely practised among them, except fuera 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 133 

de la iglesin, or behind the church. I have been told by an intel- 
ligent citizen, that for one couple married, a hundred live together 
without the ceremony. It is in sheer contempt of morals, for while 
considerable fees are paid to the church for the marriage of people 
in high life, the poor have but little to pay, and the very poor 
nothing. The marriages are truly de convenance; a man hires him- 
self to a gentleman as porter, or other servant, marries one of the 
maids, and remains her faithful and attached husband until he 
changes his abode, and generally no longer. These worthy people, 
known as greasers among the Americans, constitute a large propor- 
tion of the citizens of this fair metropolis. 



LETTER XXIX. 



A Returning Train — The Grand Plaza — Cathedral — Palace — Shops — A 
Triumphal Column — Grave Toys — Climate — An Excursion to Guadalupe 
— A Miraculous Painting — The Cathedral — A Generous Host — Distribu- 
tion of the Volunteer Division. 

City of Mexico, November, 1847. 

On the 1st inst. (^Fiesta de todos los Santos), a considerable train 
left here for the great depot at Vera Cruz, and with it many distin- 
guished officers (including Major-Greneral Quitman), who returned 
to the United States on account of impaired health, wounds, or for 
private reasons. When the numerous wagons, ambulances, travellers, 
soldiers, horse and foot, music, &c., were assembled in the grand 
plaza, and the line was seen forming, and extending, and slowly 
receding from the sight, and we bid adieu to the homeward bound, 
many a stout heart had to acknowledge the sinking that marks nos- 
talgia, a disease that has no pathology, and yet that has proved so 
often fatal. After a ''last fond look," I turned to walk around the 
now half deserted, but never lonely plaza. It is a noble square, 
presenting perhaps a thousand feet on every side. On the north is 

12 



134 EL PUCIIERO, OR 

the immense cathedral, with its walls highly ornamented with figures 
in stucco, carving, and gilding ; its pilasters and towers, its domes 
and turrets, and its deep, rich, musical bells, whose full tones first 
rouse the drowsy citizens from their slumbers in the early watches 
of the morning, cheer at intervals their daily labours, and warn 
them of the hours of rest in the stillness of the night. On the east 
is the palace, a long, unpretending edifice, much more republican in 
appearance than name ; it occupies a square, fronting only on the 
plaza, and embraces at once the executive mansion, the halls of the 
legislature, the supreme court of justice, and, in rear, the mint. On 
the south and west are long portales, giving shelter to numerous small 
venders, who plant their tables and stalls against the columns, while 
the rooms in rear, on the ground floor, rejoice generally in the gaudy 
ornaments of fancy stores. The upper apartments are private dwell- 
ings. In the centre of the plaza stands the pedestal of what is to 
be a great triumphal column, which, when completed (if ever), will 
be unsurpassed in America. The design is to be seen in the print- 
shops. To complete the beauty of the plaza, four large fountains, 
throwing up lofty jets d'cau, are to be placed intermediate between 
the column and the angles. 

On All Souls' Day, the tables in the portales were more than 
usually laden with toys for the children, but of an unusual kind, 
and commemorative of the occasion. Thus, the little ones were re- 
galed with deaths' heads, and cross-bones, of sugar, tombs, monu- 
ments, urns, and other mementos of the destroyer that knows no 
mercy. 

We find this climate somewhat overrated; we have had many 
days of raw, damp, cheerless weather, more disagreeable, and more 
injurious too, than a much greater degree of dry cold. During a spell 
of the former, in October, there was great mortality among chronic 
cases of disease ; and wounds that had been doing well previously, 
broke out afresh, and in some cases proved fatal. Yet the general 
uniformity of the climate is so great, that, from all I can learn, that 
terrible scourge of the more varying regions of the North, tubercular 
phthisis, is here almost unknown.* The mean annual temperature 

* There is perhaps no part of the world more free from tubercular con- 
sumption than the interior of Mexico. 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 135 

of the tierras frias, upon wliicli we stand, is given at 68° F., but 
there is considerable variation, as in winter there is sometimes frost, 
though rarely. There is no provision whatever made against cold, 
except in the thickness of the walls ; fire-places and chimneys are 
unknown ; but during a cold spell the hrasero is introduced with a 
glowing fii'e of charcoal. 

I took passage a few days ago, with some friends, in a diligencia, 
to the renowned village of Gruadalupe, a place of no small note in 
IMexico, as the seat of the miraculous appearance of Nuestra Senora 
to a poor Indian, who was pursuing his lonely way over the rugged 
mountain. Every writer on Mexico gives the details as an item of 
the national history, so I shall only trouble you with the following 
outline, as currently stated in the country. Nuestra Senora showed 
herself to the Indian, gave him some instructions, and directed him 
to. report what he saw and heard to the metropolitan bishop. In 
obedience to his instructions, he repaired to the bishop, who paid 
no attention to the account he gave ; a second appearance and a 
second message met with the same incredulity and indifi"erence. Our 
lady appeared a third time to the Indian, and directed him to gather 
some of the flowers at his feet (on a rugged rock, where not even a 
blade of grass had ever been seen before), to wrap them in his coarse 
apron of ayate, and carry them to the bishop, with instructions as 
before. 

The man obeyed faithfully, told the bishop what had occurred, 
and mentioned the wonderful growth of the flowers ; when the bishop 
asked for them, the Indian unfolded his apron, when, instead of 
flowers, a painting of the blessed donor, of surpassing loveliness, was 
found on this rough canvass. 

The bishop immediately erected a chapel in commemoration on 
the rock where the flowers were found. The fii'st chapel, though 
not small, was soon found not capacious enough for the thousands 
of devout pilgrims who thronged to the shrine, so a magnificent 
cathedral and a spacious convent rose at the foot of the hill ; and 
the obscure Guadalupe was elevated to the dignity of an episcopal 
see. The cathedral cKurch is among the handsomest I have ever 
seen ; its proportions are vast, without being colossal, and though 



136 EL PUCIIERO, OR 

highly adorned, the ornaments are all in good taste, and well 
arranged. The church is extremely rich and abounds in the pre- 
cious metals. A large balustrade, three feet high, of pure silver, 
encloses the grand altar, and extends on either side of a passage-way 
in the body of the church to the choir, a distance of perhaps forty 
feet. The wonderful painting is suspended over the grand altar. 
There are many paintings and models on the walls, deposited by 
pious persons, commemorating miraculous cures obtained (they say) 
through the intercession of Nuestra Senora. On the hillside is a 
stone wall, built to resemble the sails of a ship, erected there by a 
Spaniard, in acknowledgment of her assistance in rescuing him from 
shipwreck. At the foot of the hill is a sacred fountain, muddy to 
the sight and disagreeable to the taste, but it has some medicinal 
properties, perhaps from containing salts of iron, and all pilgrims 
drink of it. A kind publican took us to his house ; we ordered 
refreshments pretty freely, and we were not a little surprised when 
he refused all compensation. He was by birth a Corsican, but having 
resided in Philadelphia, he looked upon the United States as his 
adopted country. The bishop is said to be '■'■ an humble, simple- 
hearted old man, whose only pride and pleasui'e appeared to be that 
he was the familiar servant of Nuestra Senora de Gruadalupe.'' 

Having taken leave of our kind host, we hired a coche, and the 
driver, mounted as usual on the near mule, feeling elated perhaps 
at the prospect of an extra real from the lively Americanos, drove, 
or rode like mad, to the city, ofiering no chance to the gentle- 
men of the road, who so often delay travellers outside of the city 
gates. 

When General Quitman retired from the command, his division, 
which reflected honour on him as it received it from him, was dis- 
tributed. The sturdy sous of Pennsylvania and New York were 
assigned to General Worth ; the chivalrous Palmettos and the gal- 
lant Marines to General Twiggs. 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 137 



LETTER XXX. 

The Cathedral — Less Ornamented than formerly — Numerous Chapels — 
Want of Cleanliness — The Churches of the Profesa and St. Francis — 
Padres — On the Mission — General Character of Mexican Clergy — The Bad 
most Conspicuous — A Remarkable Brotherhood — Wants a Counterpart. 

City of Mexico, November, 1847. 

On Sunday I attended misa mayor (high mass), at the Cathedral, 
where one may generally hear some good music. This immense 
edifice is full of costly ornaments, though its riches are probably 
overrated. It is true, that before ovir arrival, many precious articles 
were removed for fear of pillage ; and that the government has from 
time to time levied heavy contributions on the sacred ornaments of 
gold, silver, and precious stones, to fill the empty treasury (or the 
pockets of the empleados), so that former accounts, which were 
truthful in their day, perhaps, are not so now. The much-vaunted 
balustrade of gold alloyed with silver, does not contain one particle 
of either ; or it belies its looks and smell, which savours more of the 
brazen serpent than of the golden calf. On the grand altar is an 
immense tabernacle of silver ; but gilding, carving, and bronze, are 
much more abundant. The first object presenting itself on entering 
the building is an enclosure for the musicians, between two immense 
organs, in the body of the church, each of which exceeds thirty feet 
in height. The next object is the high altar, surrounded by the 
famed balustrade, which, leaving a passage-way enclosed by it, con- 
nects the choir and sanctuary. There are between twenty and thirty 
altars in the church, ten, I think, on each side of the nave, shut out 
from it by handsome gilt open-work, so that they may be all seen, 
in succession, each altar being in a separate apartment or chapel. 
Withal, the Cathedral* is not attractive generally, because it lacks 

■* An exterior ornament of the Cathedral, the great calendar stone of the 
Aztecs, attracts always the attention of the antiquary. The Aztecs, it is 

12* 



138 EL PUCHERO, OR 

the air of neatness, tidiness, or comfort ; there are no pews, and the 
rough wooden floor is neglected and dirty. Things are different at the 
church of the Profesa, where cleanliness and taste are conspicuous. 
That, and the church at the Convent of St. Francis, are the most 
frequented by the ton of Mexico; the Cathedral is generally aban- 
doned to the humbler classes, except on great occasions. I may 
remark that the 2^(k^^'^s of the Profesa and San Francisco bear the 
best private characters of any of the regular clergy of this city ; the 
former, I am inclined to believe, are allied to the Jesuits ; who, 
though banished from Mexico, were perhaps the most exemplary 
labourers ever employed in this vineyard. It was for that reason, 
probably, that they were expelled. The Franciscans contested the 
palm with them especially upon the missionary field. Other 
orders were less successful. " The first missions of old California 
were formed in 1698, by the Jesuits. Under the management of 
these fathers, the savages had abandoned their wandering life. In 
the midst of arid rocks, of brushwood and bramble, they had culti- 
vated little spots of ground, had built houses and erected chapels, 
when a decree," &c., banished them from Spanish dominions. The 
governor who was to carry out the decree, expected to meet an army 
of their proselytes armed to defend them. " Far from this being 
the case, however, he beheld only venerable priests, with silver 
white hair, coming humbly forward to meet him." ''The Jesuits 
were accompanied to the place of their embarkation by the whole 
body of their parishioners, in the midst of sobs and exclamations of 
sorrow." The Franciscans succeeded them with success, but the 
Dominicans, who obtained the government of a portion of the mis- 
sions, " either neglected, or managed them unskilfully." " The 
Franciscans, on the contrary, constitute the happiness of the In- 
dians. Their simple dwellings have a most picturesque appearance. 
There are many of them concealed in the interior of the country, 
far from military posts ; their safety is insured by the universal 
respect and love with which they are treated." — Malte Brun. 

generally known, calculated time with more accuracy than the most en- 
lightened nations among the ancients ; this huge stone is therefore a relic 
of great interest. 



/; 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 139 

It would, perhaps, be difficult to explain why, when the Jesuits 
were expelled, many others were allowed to remain in quiet posses- 
sion, who, without the energy, zeal, or leai-ning of that famous 
order, were not free from their imputed faults. Common rumour 
has a great deal to say against the clergy of the present day, who 
are condemned indiscriminately by most travellers, and even their 
own countrymen speak of their faults and follies without reserve, 
though they say there are many good and exemplary men among 
them. There is a well-known order here, once distinguished for 
practical charities, whose lives were spent in such duties as ransom- 
ing captives, traversing for this object the distant and hostile soil 
of the infidel and heathen ; now, alas, unless belied, their lives, in 
this country, are as scandalous as once creditable to Christendom. 
In thus holding up the character of these />fu7es, it is with no in- 
tention of reflecting on the religion they profess, but do not prac- 
tise. I do not propose to discuss the national faith of Mexico, but 
the national customs as they appear to me. The general character 
of the clergy, is a sufficient proof of what, to the American requires 
no proof — that is, that the connexion of church and state is recipro- 
cally detrimental. A church glutted with temporal riches, naturally 
attracts its host of office-seekers, whose hearts would be far from it, 
were not the treasure there. One remark must, in justice, be made 
of the Mexican clergy — a remark made to me by an intelligent 
resident — the idle and bad are always most prominent to strangers; 
while the virtuous and conscientious quietly pursue their course 
unseen. 

The author of the '' Year in Spain," gives the following lively 
sketch of friars he had seen : " Like the other hermits the hermano 
mayor wore a large garment of coarse brown cloth, girded round the 
middle with a rope, and having a hood for the head. The only 
covering of his feet consisted of a coarse shoe of half-tanned leather." 
The dress, or a similar one, is common to many friars, but, " as he 
now stood before me, in addition to the effect of his apostolic gar- 
ment, his complexion and his eye had a clearness that no one can 
conceive, who is not familiar with the aspect of those who have 
practised a long and rigid abstinence from animal food, and every 



140 EL PUCHERO, OR 

exciting aliment. It gives a lustre, a spiritual intelligence, to the 
countenance that has something saint-like and divine ; and the ad- 
venturous artist who would essay to trace the lineaments of his 
Saviour should seek a model in some convent of Trappists or Carthu- 
sians, or in the ethereal region of the desert of Cordova." — (A Year 
in Spain.) The author gives a most interesting account of a visit to a 
brotherhood at the place just mentioned, where the brethren, under 
the superior he describes, earn an humble and simple livelihood by 
faithful manual labour. I fear that worthy fraternity has no coun- 
terpart in Mexico. 



LETTER XXXI. 

First News from Home — Madame Calderon's "Life in Mexico" — Beggars — 
Robbers — Penalties of Wealth — Political Misrule — A Visit to Cliapultepec 
— Cypress of Montezuma — A Tcrtulia — Diversions — The Women — Mystic 
Studies — Blue Eyes — Social Reserve — A Murdered Body. 

City of Mexico, December, 1847. 

On the 18th ultimo, we had the pleasure of receiving, for the first 
time, a mail, bringing letters from home. The dates were old, but 
having had no tidings whatever, since leaving Camp Vergara, on the 
beach, they were highly acceptable. You may conceive the happi- 
ness, and misery too, perhaps, diffused by the arrival of a large mail 
among such a number of people, so long from home ; but after the 
first glow of pleasurable excitement, when the letters have been read 
and re-read until every little item of detail is familiar, there succeeds 
a melancholy reaction, because one feels his loneliness and desolation 
the more, as the home-scenes are now brought more vividly to his 
memory. Never in my wanderings do I feel a sadness more oppres- 
sive than that which follows even the most cheerful letters from the 
family circle. 

I havelately been reading Madame Calderon's ''Life in Mexico," a 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 141 

charming work, a little too highly coloured perhaps ; but she was ^ 
here under the most favourable circumstances, and if everything 
appeared to her " coideur de rose," it was the more pleasant for her- 
self, and the more entertaining for her readers. I know an excellent 
couple here, who first met at the grand English ball mentioned in 
the work ; the lady says Mrs. Calderon does great injustice to the 
fair sex of Mexico, and that such is the general sentiment, but my 
opinion is, that she has drawn a very fair picture indeed. 

As I write, I have to stop my ears to shut out the stentorian 
bawling of a lusty beggar, who, planted across the way opposite my 
window, has kept up a ceaseless fire on the passers-by the entire 
morning ; he invokes alms in the name of Niiestra Senora de Gua- 
dalupe, par el nomhre santissinio de Jesus, and of all the saints in 
the calendar ; and though his words are pious and respectful, his 
manner indicates that he has the will to take vengeance, vi et armis, 
on all who neglect to drop their mite into his ever-extended palm. 
His song is never the more agreeable for preserving always the same 
high pitch, without cadence or inflection. This is the land where 
beggars and robbers are in the ascendant, par excellence. Madam-e 
Calderon says, and I have no doubt justly, that the leperos consider 
begging more reputable than service ; the free prowling wolf, before 
the well-fed mastifi", with his chain and collar. As to robberies, 
great and small, they are perpetual • and most householders, upon re- 
tiring, have their loaded fire-arms at the head of the bed. Murder 
and robbery go frequently hand in hand, and this blighted country 
groans in the depths of social misery. Wealthy proprietors, lords 
of immense estates, have told me they would sell all for enough to 
secure a most moderate income in other lands ; but who will buy ? 
They are, like the veriest serfs, chained to the soil ; the rich man is '' 
doomed; now a prey to a rapacious government, now the victim 
of ferocious robbers, against whom the government gives him no 
protection. So great is the misery of the better classes, that many 
families are preparing to leave for ever a land, where, tantalized by 
the gifts of fortune, they have found nothing but dregs of bitterness. 
If you speak to a wealthy Mexican of peace, he shrugs his shoulders, 
and sighs. "In your happy country," he says, "you know and 



142 EL PUCHERO, OR 

enjoy peace ; here, alas ! we know it not, nor can we hope to know 
it. Even now, overrun by a conquering army, we enjoy more tran- 
quillity than under the government of our own factious rulers, when 
free from foreign war." 

A friend and myself rode out some days ago to Chapultepec : it 
is a beautiful drive of three miles, and a favourite resort of the 
Mexicans when making a, fete champHre, or dia de campo. I have 
given you some accounts of the Castle, which is remarkable, among 
other things, for offering from its roof one of the finest views in the 
world ; but not to the building do the pic-nic parties repair j there 
is, at the base of the hill, a grove of surpassing magnificence ; car- 
peted with luxuriant grass, and well provided with rustic benches. 
A venerable cypress, known to be at least four hundred years old, 
and that is still flourishing, attracts great attention; Montezuma 
himself has reposed in the shade (sidj tegmine-cupressi) of its wide- 
spread branches, and it now bears his name, "The Cypress of 
Montezuma." " The trunk is forty-one feet in circumference, yet 
the height is so majestic, as to make even this enormous mass 
appear slender." — (Ward.) The Castle was built by the Viceroy, 
El Conde de Galves (who gave name to Galveston), for a summer 
palace, but its site and strength drew upon him the suspicion of the 
Spanish government; and his palace was easily converted, by the 
latter, into a fortress. No despot could have wished a more elegant, 
or a more safe retreat. 

Returning, in the evening, I had the pleasure of attending a ter- 
tulia, given by an English lady. It was a very agreeable little 
reunion, and gave the few Americans, who had the entree, an oppor- 
tunity of meeting las Mexicanas in company. The entertainment 
was very like ours, in the United States ; we had music, dancing, 
and cards ; the senoritas waltzed to perfection, and flirted their fans 
with the peculiar grace of the daughters of Spain. We had fine 
music, amateur and professional, songs in French, Spanish, and 
Italian, with piano accompaniment. It seems to be the custom for 
a performer to play for the singer ; the lady rarely sits down at the 
piano to play her own accompaniments. The advantage of this is 
manifest, as it allows the freedom of attitude, and expansion of 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 143 

chest, necessary for a full development of the vocal powers. The 
mammas chaperoned the daughters, and watched them, with the 
tender anxiety to be seen in all countries ; while the more callous 
papas retired to an adjoining room, to enjoy, in peace, their cards and 
segars. They stuck to these like the sages immortalized by Mustapha 
in Salmagundi; heedless of gay music and the giddy waltz, they 
raised not their eyes from the hieroglyphic papers before them, until 
stimulated into a consciousness of animal life, by the diffused fra- 
grance of generous wines. Then for a moment, they were very 
cheerful, until the talisman departed, when they relapsed gravely 
into the depths of their devotions. Some of the girls were quite 
pretty, though there was less beauty than may be always seen among 
the same number at home. The mammas will pass, if they incline 
to corpulency, but otherwise the elderly, or middle-aged women of 
Mexico are far from handsome. When the dark brunette, charming 
perhaps in youth, has subsided into a dull yellow, and the once full 
face has become wrinkled and skinny, the last traces of beauty are 
more than effaced. 'Bui fair, fat, and forty, are not uncommon in 
Mexico ; indeed, some of the fairest women I have ever seen are 
Mexicans, with eyes as bright, and as blue, as any from the north 
of the Rhine. Such beauties abound in Spain, among the fair 
daughters of the Goths, in provinces that remained free from 
Moorish dominion. 

A tertulia in these days is not to be neglected, as the company 
assembles, if not reluctantly, at least in fear and trembling. The 
gentle Mexicanas fear equally the ladrones of their own country, and 
the American soldieiy ; and while they could find it in their hearts, 
doubtless, to smile a little upon the gallant invaders, prudential 
reasons keep them generally within a wall of reserve that our war- 
rior beaux find harder to penetrate than were the massive stone walls 
of their mansions. 

On the way home, in the small hours, I met a party of policemen 
having in charge the body of a man just murdered; a matter of 
small note in Mexico. 



144 EL PUCHERO, OR 



LETTER XXXII. 

1 

An Aztec Belle — General Condition of the Indians — Tlieir Character — Num-i 
bers — Appearance — Afflictions — Capacity — Religion — Mixed Race — Cha-i 
racter of Leperos — They may be made Good Citizens by Rigorous Rule — •! 
Note : Suspension of the Alcabala. j 

Mexico, December, 1847. | 
I MET in company, a few evenings since, a young Miss of pure In-| 
dian blood, who was reputed wealthy and accomplished. Her father,' 
herself, and a boy, said to be a lineal descendant of Montezuma, are] 
the only representatives of the aboriginal race I have met with, of! 
heard of, in society. The Aztec features are far from handsome, at 
least when compared with the Caucasian, but the young lady, I have: 
no doubt, would pass for a beauty in the celestial empire, except that! 
her feet could not now be compressed into "golden lilies." Herj 
cast of face was decidedly Chinese. A common origin may account' 
for this, as in all probability the Aztecs, as well as other Indians of 
this continent, draw their descent from some branch or branches of the, 
great Mongol race. As their origin, however, is a bone of conten-- 
tion among the philosophic inquirers into the history of the human; 
race, I will venture no further remarks on that subject. The Indians,' 
who come daily under observation, may be more properly discussed.! 
Once lords of the soil, their highest offices now, as a general rule,j 
are the menial tasks imposed by their present masters. They arej 
not slaves, it is true, by law, and yet in condition and appearance,! 
they appear inferior to the negroes of the Northern Republic. ^ 
Throughout the United States, even in those where slavery is mostJ 
unmitigated, every man of the coloured race has his stamp of indivi-| 
duality, and not a few, respectable consideration ; while among these! 
freemen^ it is hard to estimate any one among them as other than an| 
animal from the herd — rare, indeed, is it to see one, to whom you cani 
attach the idea of an identity, that may raise him above, or distin-: 
guish him from, the lowliest of his unhappy brethren. 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 145 

Humboldt estimated the number of Indian residents in tbe city at 
33,000 ; which, number has probably increased considerably, though 
a large proportion of those who may be seen daily in the streets are 
from the surrounding country. They come in in files, more than 
half naked, men and women, carrying heavy burdens on their backs, 
like so many pack-mules. The poor women carry, besides, in most 
cases, miserable little p?et/V/es, strapped to their shoulders, whose 
young faces have the gravity of premature age, looking as if con- 
scious of their race's degradation. The Indians have continued to 
increase in population in spite of many inflictions of the three great 
scourges, war, pestilence, and famine. They have been visited at 
various times by the small-pox ; and by a much more formidable 
disease, known among them as matlazahuatl, said to bear some re- 
semblance to the black vomit, to which malady, however, they are 
but little subject. Humboldt quotes from Torquemiada, that in 
1545, the matlazahuatl carried off 800,000, and in 1576, the im- 
mense number of 2,000,000. He thinks, however, the fatality was 
overrated. The hard labour of the mines, for which their slight 
forms were little fitted, carried off a great many in the earlier days 
of Spanish rule ; but a wiser policy corrected the evil by moderating 
and subdividing the labours. 

Famine has, at times, proved very desolating, as the Indians, 
" naturally indolent, contented with the smallest quantity of food 
on which life can be supported, and living in a fine climate, merely 
cultivate as much maize, potatoes, or wheat, as is necessary for their 
own maintenance, or at most for the additional consumption of the 
adjacent towns and mines. The inhabitants of Mexico have in- 
creased in a greater ratio than the means of subsistence, and accord- 
ingly, whenever the crops fall short of the demand, or are damaged 
by drought, or other local causes, famine ensues. With want of 
food comes disease, and these visitations, which are of not unfrequent 
occurrence, are very destructive." — (Humboldt's Travels and Re- 
searches.) 

The same author remarks of the character of the Indians. " The 
men are grave, melancholy, and taciturn ; forming a striking con- 
trast to the negroes, who for this reason are preferred by the Indian 

13 



146 EL PUCHERO, OR 

women. Long habituated to slavery, they patiently suffer the pri- 
vations to which they are frequently subjected ; opposing to them 
only a degree of cunning, veiled under the appearance of apathy and 
stupidity. Although destitute of imagination, they are remarkable 
for the facility with which they acquire a knowledge of languages ; 
and notwithstanding their usual taciturnity, they become loquacious 
and eloquent when excited by important occurrences." 

It is by no means rare, now-a-days, to see them " excited" into 
loquaciousness, by nothing more important than mescal or pulque; 
whether eloquent, or not, is more than I am able to testify. The 
Indians generally are a peaceful and harmless class, without, appa- 
rently, any wish or hope to improve their condition. They regularly 
attend divine service, where their manner indicates genuine devotion ; 
yet is said they have not entirely forgotten the gods of their fore- 
fathers. Mr. Bullock, in 1823, obtained leave to disinter the image 
of the goddess Teoyaniqui, of which he took casts, exciting the 
laughter or contempt of the whites, while the Indians looked on with 
feelings of reverential interest. They may have regarded it with a 
superstition transmitted from their ancestors, through a concealed 
traditionary current, or merely as a memento of the days of their 
national pride and glory.* Many of the remoter tribes from the 
city yet retain their native freedom, their fierceness, and their wor- 
ship. Our army had even been threatened with the Indios Bravos, 
that is, the Apaches, Lipans, and others, who, we were told, were 
to fall upon us in connexion with the regular troops of Mexico. 
\i The broken-spirited sons of the soil in this vicinity, are measurably 
free from vices towards their white neighbours, but the ungainly 
descendants of the two races, the mestizos, combine the evil qualities 
of both, with little comparative improvement from the admixture of 
European blood. They constitute about one-fourth part of the 
population of the city ; from them are taken generally domestic 
servants, &c., while they furnish too, the worthy fraternity of begging 
and robbing leperos. Mr. Brantz Mayer, of Baltimore, has given of 

* With the fall of their national pride fell their national crime of human 
sacrifices, a depravity, sufficient of itself to justify the conquest, even ac- 
cording to the views of this age. 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 147 

these charming characters a most correct and lively picture in his 
entertaining work on Mexico, to which I can add nothing ; but I 
have thought a quotation from Cervantes, in the "Year in Spain," 
would apply to them admirably, by substituting for gipsies, leperos, 
thus : '^ It would seem that the leperos were solely born into this 
world to fill the station of thieves. They are brought up among 
thieves ; they study the profession of thieves ; and finally end by 
becoming thieves, the most current and thorough-paced on the face 
of the earth." They seem to be out of the pale of the law, and are 
the terror of all good citizens. Yet they are not utterly intractable. 
Under the old Spanish regime, when th«? laws were sometimes well 
administered, even the leperos were brought into subjection; as, for 
instance, during the term of the Viceroy Revillagigedo, who, by a 
system of rigid justice, little tempered with mercy, conducted the 
ship of state better than was ever done before or since, either under 
monarchical or republican rule. 



Note. — The suspension of the onerous alcahala, or excise law, by 
order of the American authorities, was hailed with delight by the 
Indians who traffic with the city. The nature of the law is probably 
known to the reader. It is an odious tax on every species of barter 
and sale, from.the transfer of a great estate down to the commonest 
necessaries of life sold in the markets. The poor Indians, who in 
some cases bring on their backs heavy loads of humble produce, from 
a distance of twenty or forty miles, or even more, are arrested at 
the city gates, obliged to deposit their burdens until they get a cer- 
tificate at the custom-house of having paid the alcabala. Their 1/ 
patience is often abused both at the gates and the custom-house, 
they are rebuifed and delayed by the officials, and sometimes lose 
a whole day in buying permission to sell a few reals worth of market- 
ing. 

The alcabala is a legacy of old Spain ; it was introduced there to 
defray the expenses of wars against the Moors ; after the wars, how- 
ever, it was found so very convenient in filling the royal coffers, that 



148 EL PUCHERO, OR 

it obtained the honour of perpetuity. It was introduced in due time 
into Spanish America, and fell heaviest of course on the humblest 
classes. The Indians, who had suifered so long under the infliction, 
could scarcely believe their senses when they found " free trade" 
allowed them, " / Vivcm los Americanos !" they cried with enthu- 
siasm } " J Vivan los Americanos \" 



LETTER XXXIII. 

CaSete's Benefit — Sable Harmonists — Euraoui's of Insurrection- 

— The City — Humboldt — Origin of the Name of Mexico — The Valley — 
Streets — Houses — Awnings — Peculiarity in Naming the Streets — Origin 
of the Former City — The Present not on a Firm Foundation — Disappear- 
ance of Lakes — Saline Deposits — Church of Nuestra Seiiora de Loreto. 

City of ]Mexico, December, 1847. 
One evening last month, we had an entertainment at the Teatro 
Nacional, far surpassing the average there. It was on the occasion 
of Ganete\ benefit; she is the presiding genius of the Spanish com- 
pany in this city, and is really a most gifted woman. She has the 
versatility of Mrs. Fitzwilliam, who has afforded us so much amuse- 
ment, but she is of a higher order of talent. On that night she 
took the leading parts in the Gamin de Paris, and Loan of a Lover \ 
(both in Spanish), and, without knowing a word of English, she had ; 
the tact to make the plays intelligible, by her inimitable manner, j 
The congregated thousands there (for the immense house was full , 
to overflowing), gave long and loud shouts of approbation, and at ; 
the end, she came forth with a set speech of " tanks," in the prettiest \ 
English that was ever heard, though it was harder to be understood, j 
I must say, than her pure Castilian. The Mexicans have no actors j 
worthy the name ; Italy, France, and Spain, however, make up the | 
deficiency. Between the acts we were favoured with fine music by j 



I 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 149 

the orchestra ; dancing by G-ozze, a Spanish Celeste ; and a variety 
in the diversion by the introduction of a troupe of Sable Harmonists^ 
whose familiar songs were received with roars of applause. A few 
resident ladies appeared in the boxes, for the first time since our 
arrival. The theatre was highly adorned and brilliantly illuminated. 
On entering, the lofty pillars of the vestibule were seen dressed with 
lights and flowers, and beautiful transparencies, while two of the best 
bands of our army lent their attractions, giving forth rich strains to 
the open air. 

We hear reports, every now and then, of insurrection, and no 
doubt such projects have been, and perhaps are still on foot ; the 
annihilation of our army is, of course, the object intended : this we 
do not fear ; but we have to beware of the midnight assassination of 
individuals or small parties ; many stragglers have been already cut 
off, but commonly from their own reckless imprudence. 

On Sunday, I heard a sermon at the convent church of San Au- 
-gustin : it was a very good one ; the padre recommended earnestly 
the practical virtues, and in his discourse, there was nothing to 
which the most thorough Protestant could object, except occasional 
appeals to Nuestra Sehora Santisiina. His manner was frank and 
sincere, utterly free from clap-trap, and that striving after efiect 
which so often destroys the merit of the best composed sermons. 

You want a general description of the city, which I. cannot well 
give, fonnaUy^ though I will try to throw into my letters, without 
much regard to system, such facts as I can gather, either from ob- 
servation or books, where the latter do not run counter to the former. 
The learned and diligent Humboldt is the pioneer, in general science, 
of this countr}^, and his immortal works the source from which most 
succeeding travellers have drawn their data. Nature has changed 
not at all, since his visit ; and society, less, perhaps, than in any 
other country on the continent of America. Scientific knowledge 
was so limited in this country, and so little was known, that it re- 
mained for him even to settle the latitude and longitude of the 
capital ; the maps were so inaccurate, " that the inhabitants were 
thrown into consternation by the occurrence of a total eclipse of the 
sun, on the 21st of February, 1803 ; the almanacs, calculating from 

13^- 



150 EL PUCHERO, OR 

a false indication of the meridian, having announced it as scarcely 
visible."— (Humboldt's Travels, &c. ; Harper's F. L.) 

The city takes its name from the ancient war god Mexitli (alias 
Huitzlipochtli), though it was more commonly called, before the con- 
quest, Tenochtitlan. It stands about in the centre of the remarkable 
valley, or basin, so often mentioned as formed by a mountain circle, 
which springs from the lofty plains of Anahuac (the great plateau, 
or table-land of the summit of the Cordillera). Looking in any 
direction from a point of elevation above the house-tops, this chain 
presents itself at a distance of from twenty to thirty miles, like a 
barrier cutting off communication with the surrounding world. To- 
wards the southward and eastward, we have in perpetual view, form- 
ing part of the ridge, the ever suow-crowncd Popocatapetl and Istac- 
cihuatl, whose grandeur, like that of the boundless ocean, seems to 
preach of eternity. The eyes are never weary of resting on them, 
as they are ever sublime and ever beautiful. 

The streets of the city are perfectly level, and as rectangular as 
those of Philadelphia. The houses are built of hewn stone of two 
kinds, a "porous amygdaloid, and a glassy felspar porphyry;" they 
are plastered, or painted, in light colours, and are uniform in their 
terraced roofs and iron balconies. Over the latter, when the sun is 
pouring down his ardent rays, are flung white or fancy-coloured 
awnings, screened behind which the fair senoritas, partially or en- 
tirely concealed, make their observations on the living current below. 
The effect of a long line of awnings, as down Plateros Street, &c., to 
the Alameda, half a dozen squares, is picturesque and beautiful. 
One of the peculiarities of the capital is, that the name of a street 
continues only with a square, to the annoyance and confusion of 
strangers. Suppose, for instance. Chestnut Street, in Philadelphia, 
were to be named after the Mexican style, we would have as many 
streets as squares, thus there would be State House Street, Hotel 
Street, &c., and enough throughout the city to confound even her 
own keen lawyers and sharp-scented police. 

The ancient Mexico stood upon an island communicating by dikes 
with the main land. You remember the legend of its origin : that a 
few poor adventurers were directed by their oracle to locate a city 



i 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 151 

where they should find an eagle resting on a nopal, and that the spot 
was found amidst the waters of Lake Tescoco. Here, in 1325, they 
fixed their residence, founding their humble city in the waves, like 
the Venetians, rather for protection from strong and hostile neigh- 
bours, than from deference to the oracle. When it grew to greatness, 
and fell into the power of the Spanish conquerors, they destroyed it, 
to build another on the same site. The waters of the lake, however, 
have receded, leaving the city on a crust of dry land. So infirm, 
however, are the foundations, that the cathedral has sunk, as have 
other buildings, as much as sis feet. This, indeed, is not percepti- 
ble to the general observer. Lake Tescoco is now not less than 
seven or eight miles from the city, though during the season of 
rains the extensive inundations of the surrounding low grovmds pre- 
sent still something of the appearance of former days. All the 
lakes of the valley are diminishing in size, and the surface of the 
soil once occupied by them, is whitened by a deposition of the salts 
of potash and lime, which form rapidly and unaccountably. Muriate 
of soda (common salt) is present in limited quantities, but in too 
impui'e a state to be introduced into use. The saline eflBorescences 
cover, sometimes, large tracts, like a frost, hindering or destroying 
cultivation. 

Mexico has, if not its '' leaning tower," a church so inclined from 
the perpendicular, that it can no longer be used. It is a large and 
handsome edifice. La Iglcsia de Nuestra Sehora de Loreto, probably 
built upon piles, as the public buildings generally, but, shortly after 
completed, it was subjected to the trial of a severe earthquake, 
which left it in its present condition. It reminds one, for all the 
world, of a stout ship at sea, heeling to the breeze. 



152 EL PUCHERO, OR 



LETTER XXXIV. 

The Viaticum — Church Ceremonies — State of Religion — Releasing Souls 
from Purgatory — Friars and Secular Clergy — Anniversary Celebration at 
Guadalupe — National Museum — Colossal Statue — Sacrificial Stone — 
Models of Mines, &c. — Natural Specimens — Wax Figures. 

When early in the niglit, before the hours of repose, you hear 
the gentle tinkling of a little bell approaching, you may go to youi* 
window to see the passage of the viaticum, or the host, on its way 
to be administered, for the last time, to some poor mortal about to 
pass into the realms of the hidden world. All the good people, on 
both sides of the street, light up their windows and fall on their 
knees until the cortege has passed; the throngs in the streets, 
removing their hats, fall on their knees and remain bowed to the 
earth while the host is passing. Not a sound is heard but the sil- 
very tinkling of the warning bell, and a low, monotonous musical 
chant by the attendant train, singing mournful psalms, or the litany 
for the dying. The consecrated element is carried by a priest in an 
illuminated carriage ; the attendants, dressed in white surplices, pre- 
cede and follow the coach, bearing aloft lighted torches. The effect 
is very striking ; from a general commotion, the buzz of many voices 
and the trampling of many feet, such as is always heard when night 
first begins to spread her mantle over a great city, the first notes of the 
bell are followed by a deathlike stillness, then all is hushed, the world 
scarcely seems to breathe, the approaching music falls on unbroken 
silence, and not a motion is made by the crowd until the last notes 
are flung back, echo-like, from the receding singers. Then a simul- 
taneous rise takes place in the kneeling multitude, and the outdoor 
world resumes it tumultuous courses. 

There are many beautiful church ceremonies in use in Mexico, but 
in many cases they are carried too far for American taste, particu- 
larly where (as is generally the case) we do not understand them. 
Sweeping charges are constantly brought against the clergy of the 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 153 

country, of overdoing the forms of religion, while neglecting its 
intrinsic essentials, and great abuses are said to exist, some of which 
are obvious. 

An instance that I have noticed may be introduced here. In the 
Cathedral, near one of the principal altars, are two tablets, inform- 
ing the people, that by certain conditions, of assisting at masses, 
reciting prayers, or giving alms, they may redeem so many souls 
from purgatory : thus, one condition observed will relieve three 
souls, another six, another ten, &c. ; making definite rates, not 
authorized, so far as I know, by the doctrines of the Catholic 
Church. 

A greater abuse is, that though there are between forty and fifty 
convents in and about the city, of monks and nuns, that the edu- 
cation of the lower classes is so much neglected. Surely these 
brethren could not be better engaged than in diffusing freely the 
blessings of education. The convents are generally rich, and able 
to sustain free schools out of their revenues; the friars must be 
competent to teach ; if not, so much greater is the shame for them. 
As it is, their influence is said to be constantly decreasing, as might 
naturally be supposed. The people of Mexico are thoroughly 
attached to their religion, although they speak freely of existing 
abuses. In this utilitarian age every man is called on to play an 
active part in life, in accordance with the spii'it of the times. The 
wealth of the convents at this day must be much diminished by the 
constant demand on them from the government, which, by all 
accounts, is as plundering as the knights of the highway. With all 
the apparent influence of churchmen in this country, they have 
been constantly buffeted by revolutionary partisans, and plundered 
by empleados, until, under the general disorganization, they have 
become less free to act, either for good or evil, than in almost any 
Christian country in the world. Such at least is a statement made 
to me by one of the clergy. 

The parish priests lead different lives from those in convents ; the 
nature of their duties keeps them in more active occupation, and 
their general appearance is less forbidding. You know them by their 
costume : they do not wear cowls, or expose their tonsured crowns, 



154 EL PUCHERO, OR 

but they wear broad-brimmed beavers, standing straight ont, fore 
and aft, and curled up at the sides ', a long black gown (cassock), 
and commonly shorts, knee and shoe-buckles, complete their ordi- 
nary dress. 

It may not be interesting to recur so often to the clergy, but it 
can scarcely be avoided on account of the great space they occupy' 
in the community; they number thousands in the city and its 
immediate vicinity. 

On the 12th inst., I accompanied a party to Guadalupe. The 
anniversary of the appearance there of Nuestra Senora, was cele- 
brated on that day with the most gorgeous ceremonies. The church 
is certainly the handsomest I ever saw, and the decorations for the 
occasion arc beyond description. The principal altar was in a blaze 
of lights and jewels, and the vestments of the priests sparkled with 
gold and precious stones. The music corresponded with the cere- 
monies. The crowd was immense, to be numbered by tens of thou- 
sands ; armies of Indians came on their annual pilgrimage to the 
shrine, and perhaps one-half of the citizens of the capital repair 
there during the day. At night, in town, many of the devotees of 
" Our Lady of Gruadalupe" had her portrait at their balconies, sur- 
rounded by lights, while their houses were also illuminated. 

I have paid several visits to the National Museum, which, by a 
liberal policy, is open every afternoon to the public, free of charge. 
It occupies a portion of the University, within a square of the palace, 
and contains some objects of general interest. The fii'st that strikes 
the eye upon entering the court, is the colossal equestrian statue of 
the unlucky Carlos IV., in bronze. It is the work of a native 
sculptor, Toha, who, it is said, died of mortification, when a radical 
defect was pointed out to him, that most observers pass unnoticed; 
that is, the absence of the excrescences, or figs, on the legs. The 
horse is about the size of a full-grown elephant — the rider in propor- 
tion ; and Humboldt says of the work, that in beauty and purity of 
style, it exceeds anything in Europe, except the Marcus Aurelius, at 
Rome. Another object of leading interest in the court, is a sup- 
posed sacrificial stone, used by the Aztecs, a large cylindrical stone, 
flat, or slightly rounded on top, with a groove from the centre to the 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 155 

circumference, which is considered a channel for the blood of the 
victims. The sides are deeply carved with hieroglyphic figures. 
The conservator of the Museum, who is an antiquarian and a very 
intelligent man, says that it is not a sacrificial stone, but a calendar; 
that the Spaniards destroyed all but one of the former ever found, 
which was sent to Spain, where it remains. There is, however, a 
stone urn preserved, into which the Aztec priests threw the yet 
palpitating hearts of their human victims. There are numerous 
idols, utensils, instruments of music, &c., in good preservation, 
mementos of the age before the conquest. I took less interest in 
them, however, than in specimens of vegetable, mineralogical, and 
other natural products from various parts of this extensive republic. 
There are some models of mines, which are very interesting ; the 
whole process of mining is shown in miniature. Sections of mines 
are shown where the puppet workmen are pursuing all their various 
duties, deep in the dark recesses of their subterranean world. There 
are many specimens of stuffed birds, some beasts and reptiles ; 
besides those of Mexican art, ancient and modern. The Indians 
(or leperos) excel in making wax figvires, and at the Museum may 
be seen Lilliputian men and women, of all ranks and grades, from 
high bon ton down to squalid beggary. The figures are per- 
fectly natural, and each appears in his proper costume and cha- 
racter. 



156 EL PUCHERO, OR 



LETTEE XXXV. 

Robbery, by Wholesale and Retail — The Arrieros — Their Costume, &c. — 
Contrast with the Indians, and their Burros (Donkeys) — Women's Cos- 
tume — The Rebozo — Infliction of Punishment — A bold Attempt at Rescue 
— Succeeds as it Deserves — Botanical Garden — Society — General Scott 
and the Ladies — Churches on Christmas Day — A Pleasant Evening. 

City of Mexico, December, 1817. 

A RESIDENT friend informed me a few days ago that his father- 
in-law had just sustained a loss of thirty thousand dollars' worth of 
effects, by robbery, on the highroad between Orizaba and Puebla. 
He had made purchases to that amount in Europe, and put them, 
on their arrival in this country, under charge of a hired escort. The 
latter fled at the first charge of the robbers ; — whether in collusion 
with them, or not, is a matter of no small doubt. I have had my 
losses, too, in a small way ; eleven of my twelve pocket-handkerchiefs, 
some of them handsome and costly, have mysteriously passed from 
my possession into the domains of greaserdom. I think, were it my 
misfortune to be a citizen of Mexico, I could almost find it in my 
heart to colleague with the veteran administrador mentioned by 
Madame Calderon, who notified the government he would have to 
join the robbers in self-defence, as no other class of citizens obtained 
protection in their avocations. 

Goods and produce from the country are generally brought in on 
the backs of mules and donkeys, wheeled vehicles being compara- 
tively little used. The arrieros, or muleteers, on the highroad, 
are generally a jaunty set of chaps, decked out in tight-fitting short- 
jackets, pantaloons open from the knee down, the external seam 
made to open the whole length, and fastened down the sides by 
numerous close-set silver buttons ; the boots of untanned leather, 
and the heels armed with massive and jingling iron spurs. The 
sombrero is a cone of felt or straw, with a broad brim, covered for 
the road with glazed canvass. A band of glittering tinsel encircles 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 157 

the hat; and near the crown, on either side, is a projecting ornament 
of silver. If mounted, the accoutrements are whip, sword, pistols, 
and carbine ; an extra pair of leathern leggings, tanned with the 
hair on, hang from each side of the saddle-bow. The saddle and 
bridle are both profusely adorned with silver. These gentry are 
either Criolhs, or the better class of half-breeds. They offer a 
strong contrast to the poor Indians, bringing in their supplies from 
the surrounding country ; these wear no ornaments, frequently not 
even the serape, or blanket, which is the daily mantle and nightly 
covering of the leperos ; but they trudge after their laden donkeys, 
carrying no other weapon than a staff, which they use as a goad, 
while very commonly on their own shoulders is strapped a weighty 
pannier, which may contain, and often does, the third of a donkey's 
load. Countrywomen, who enjoy a few rays of the sunshine of 
prosperity, come mounted on donkeys, their nether limbs either 
within, or hanging down in front of the panniers; they wear the 
broad-brimmed sombrero of the arrieros. Sp(?aking of costume, I 
may here remark, that of each class is distinctive ; ihe low women 
of the city have no other tog for every-day wear than a chemise, and 
a petticoat of the shortest ; a rehozo on the head (a long, coloured 
scarf), with which they conceal their full bronze busts when con- 
venient — for they throw them open without ceremony — and a pair 
of slippers on their feet. The very poorest dispense with all but 
the petticoat ; none wear bonnets, high or low. The ladies wear on 
their heads rich silk shawls, fastened under the chin when in the 
street, though in most other respects they di-ess a la Francaise. 
The gentlemen dress as we do, except that in the saddle it is de 
regie to wear a short jacket and broad-brimmed hat. 

Some disorderly Mexicans were sentenced, not long since, by an 
American military commission, in perpetual session, to the whole- 
some old-time correction recommended by the wisest of men for 
unruly children, — great was the indignation in greaserdom, and a 
forcible rescue was threatened, if the Americans would dare to carry 
this sentence into execution. When the time came, some thousands 
of the motley tribe collected about the grand plaza, for a rescue, if 
their hearts failed them not ; or at least, to offer groans and tears of 

14 



158 EL PUCHERO, OR 

sympathy. As the work commenced, showers of stones fell on the 
American guards, who charged on the valiant assailants, took some 
of the leaders, who now get their deserts in weekly instalments of 
the very currency they were trying to put out of circulation. The 
better citizens are delighted; they say nothing short of hanging 
could have subdued the whole legion of evil-doers so promptly. 

This month, like our April, has been blowing hot, and blowing 
cold, alternately; it has, however, been unusually cold for the 
climate. Roses generally bloom the year round, and early in the 
month, they were plenty ; not so now : — in open grounds there are 
none, though the weather is of that genial warmth described by 
travellers as perennial in IMexico. I went some days ago to the 
botanical garden in rear of the palace. It is small, and not very 
attractive, — a single rose, the last of winter, was "all blooming 
alone," which the gardener gave me. He said that the leperos had 
broken in and destroyed many fine flowers, vases, &c., when the 
city was surrendered. A lofty summer-house, overgrown with 
dense foliage, stands over a bubbling fountain surrounded with rare 
flowers ; it must be a delicious retreat during the heats of summer, 
as the rays of the sun find no entrance there. 

Respectable Mexican families are opening their houses slowly and 
cautiously, to American ofiieers ; acquaintance is extended by a pro- 
cess of indviction, — thus, having the entree at one house, the friends 
and relations invite you to theirs, and sometimes, are even polite 
enough to call for you in their coaches. They do not venture upon 
this, however, during the broad light of day ; an execrable system 
of espionage, equal to that of Fouche, but entirely destitute of legi- 
timate aim, keeps a check on all social movement in Mexico, not 
only towards strangers, but among each other. General society, 
from all I can learn, is scarcely known — a few families, related or 
connected, form their little circle which they rarely leave, unless 
for some formal visit of etiquette. 

General Scott has got out of tlje good graces of the fair sex, by 
rejecting the petition of numerous ladies in favour of the San Pa- 
tricio prisoners (deserters from our army). Reasoning after the 
fashion of women, from the heart, they think it very cruel indeed to 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 159 

keep the 2Mb res in irons, &c., now that our arms are so completely 
triumphant. They want to draw a parallel between Greneral Ti/ler 
and General Escott (as they call them) ; they think the former, who, 
they say, is beloved by the whole Mexican nation, would not have 
been deaf to their pi'ayers. 

On Christmas day, I went first to the Cathedral, where a full 
orchestra lent its aid to the immense organs and the singers ; finding 
myself leather late there, I repaired to the beautiful church of La 
Profesa, where I found a scenic representation of the stable at 
Bethlehem. The divine child lay in his manger, and besides his 
parents, the humble apartment was shared between the admiring 
shepherds and dumb brutes gazing listlessly at their unwonted com- 
pany. The spectacle presented nothing trivial — far from it, indeed 
— it was an impressive lesson for the learned and the unlearned. I 
had intended witnessing the Misa de Gallo, or midnight mass, at 
the Cathedral, but a social evening with a brother in arms (scalpels 
and catlings), at the custom-house, drove it from my mind. 

Chi-istmas night I ate dulces, sipped chocolate, and drank bumpers 
in pure old Xeres, with a pleasant Mexican family, on my proposi- 
tion, to the fair Mejicanas, on theirs, to las Americanas (God bless 
them !), and then, perhaps, to ourselves. The gentry of this country 
are very temperate, rarely exceeding the bounds of moderation. 
The evening passed off pleasantly with music, conversation, and 
segars. 



160 EL PUCHERO, OR 



LETTER XXXV I. 

Legion of Beggars — Their Dress and Fare — Danger of Sailing under False 
Colours — Public Balls — Nj'mphs of Belemitas — More amiable than 
their Lovers — Soubriquets — Visit to the Mint — Accessions to the Army — 
Prevalence of Sickness — Military Police. 

City of Mexico, January, 1848. 

There are a great many blind beggars in this city, and deformed 
ones too, high authority to the contrary notwithstanding. We hear 
frequently of artificial deformity, induced permanently, or tempo- 
rarily, by the beggars themselves; and terrible stories of mothers 
destroying the eyes of their children to insure their claims on public 
sympathy. Putting out their eyes is merely finishing the young- 
sters with a sufficient amount of capital to drive a successful business 
in their future career. I know not how far to believe these accounts, 
but the multitude of beggars show that the profession is in favour; 
they seem to understand that the world owes them a living, which 
they are determined to have. Their name is legion — they must, 
therefore, be a heavy burden on the productive classes. Fortunately, 
(?) the necessaries of life are cheap; tortillas (corn-cakes) and f)'i- 
j'oles (beans) cost almost nothing, and these, with a little Chili pep- 
per and a glass of strong pulque, are luxuries enough for a beggar's 
palate. At nearly every street corner, some dirty old woman has 
her table and her brasero, from which she will furnish an ample 
meal, including even a stew of beef and Chili, piping hot, for half a 
dozen clacoes (nine cents). Furnishing their garments does not 
enrich the tailors much ; an excuse for a pair of breeches, reaching 
to the knees, and a serape worn gracefully over the shoulders, make 
a fair average of costume — sometimes additional gear is worn, and 
just as often, the serape, or the breeches, dispensed with. Warm 
clothes are little needed, but some primitive garment, an improve- 
ment on the fig-leaf, is always preserved for decency's sake. 

There was great commotion among the rabble when our army was 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 161 

approaching the city. Santa Anna had his recruiting parties out, 
who, asking no questions, pressed every young fellow they caught 
from home, who had no protecting influence. People could not even 
send their servants out of their houses. At the house of one of my 
friends, it was indispensable to send to the post-office, and the ex- 
pedient hit on, was to send a man disguised in women's clothes, at 
dusk. He took his letter safely, and was returning, when some va- 
grant pursued with no good designs the unprotected ivoman. She, 
of course, was coy in the extreme, admitted no familiarities, but 
virtuously took to flight. Her unaccustomed garments, however, 
impeded her motions, so she was soon in the possession of the amo- 
rous assailant. Great was his surprise when he found a lusty man 
in his arms — but here was a mystery, the police was called, and the 
doubtful character committed to prison. The poor fellow was scared 
out of his wits, and his life was threatened, because it was clear to 
everybody, without further evidence, that a person so disguised, 
must be an American spy. He protested, but in vain ; his mistress 
was a foreigner, his master also (a distinguished French architect, 
an accomplished and hospitable gentleman), who was absent from 
the city, and there was no one able or willing to save him from 
punishment. Next morning he made his condition known to his 
mistress, who with great difficulty obtained his release. 

Balls and parties are got up nightly for the special benefit of the 
army. Gay music may be heard in various sections of the city, and 
dashing couples may be seen through the open windows, whirling 
gracefully in the giddy waltz. That the ladies are all of the first 
respectability may be learned from the newspaper advertisements, 
which announce, very decidedly, that no others will be admitted. 
But they have queer ways for real ladies. The most pretending 
and exclusive of the public balls, arc given at an ex-convent in Be- 
lemitas Street, where the French modistas enjoy undivided sway. 
Every Sunday evening they congregate there with their beaux, who, 
like themselves, escape from the trammels of the shop to figure upon 
this field of social elegance. Now the ladies, with more taste than 
discretion, began to despise their familiar faces, when Messieurs les 
j'eunes ojfficiers Americains appeared on the boards, and being aware 

14* 



162 EL PUCHERO, OR 

of the great prowess and daring gallantry of the latter, surrendered 
to them unconditioually, after a very trifling resistance indeed. This 
was right enougli, to be sure, but their devoted knights of times 
past were not pleased; so they made a renewed attack on the fair 
deserters, not with martial arms, nor even with the arrows of Cupid, 
but with ill-natured soubriquets, which have fallen among the ladies 
like so many hand-gTenades. A tall slender lady, for instance, will 
live and die, Palo Alto ; a short, thickset lady, her dearest friend, 
Cerro Grordo ; and others, Contreras, Churubusco, and so forth, 
from some real or fancied analogy between their characters or ap- 
pearance, and the fields of American victories. 

Being desirous of learning the art of making money (an art that 
has always been a sealed book to me), I repaired some days ago to 
the mint, with a friend, where we were politely shown the whole 
process — though I have not yet reaped any practical advantage from 
my information. However, we saw everything, from the massive 
shapeless ingots of silver, down to the bright, finished dollar. The 
silver, a little alloyed with copper, is first run through a furnace, 
then passed through a machine for making strips of proper breadth 
and thickness ; a circular punch takes out the size of the dollar, and 
the round, black-looking piece is then submitted to an instrument 
for marking the edges. A polishing process follows, then the last 
act is completed by the stamp. The dollars are turned out with 
great rapidity, though the entire machinery is worked by hand. The 
pieces are often weighed during the progress, to see that they pre- 
serve the standard. In another apartment, they were coining gold 
from black sheets that might readily have passed unnoticed for so 
much copper. 

The mint is under the same roof as the palace ; but the work is 
carried on by private enterprise. We were informed that improved 
machinery had been ordered from England which has not yet 
arrived. 

We have had considerable reinforcements in the last few weeks 
under Gi-enerals Butler, Patterson, and Gushing — the famous Colonel 
Hays, with his Texas Rangers, accompanied General Patterson. 
Some troops have been assigned to towns further in the interior; 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 163 

our own battalion remains with General Persifer F. Smith, governor 
of the city, since the departure of General Quitman. • Governor 
Smith, in wisdom, equals General Smith in valour, which is saying 
a great deal. 

There is extensive sickness throughout the troops quartered in the 
city; fevers abound, and they assume a low typhoid type, difficult to 
manage, except in good constitutions. We have our vicissitudes of 
weather ; some three weeks of summer, and one of winter during the 
month, when the raw, keen winds descend upon us from the moun- 
tains. The men are, besides, considerably crowded in their apart- 
ments, which is particularly trying to those who have spent their 
lives at home in open fields, in the pursuits of agriculture. 

General Smith has established a military police of 400 select 
men from the army; that he has established at the palace, and in 
four different sections of the city. My two messmates have been 
assigned to the command of two of the companies, thus breaking 
up my domestic arrangements, for the good of the service. The 
arrangement is admirable : small parties, well armed, patrol all 
parts of the city every night ; and marauders, Mexican or Ameri- 
can, are seized and committed for trial, so promptly, that we begin 
to hope for a change equal to that effected by Tacon, in Havana. 



LETTER XXXVII. 

Social Intercourse — Informal Calls — Accomplishments Cultivated — Topics 
of Conversation— Manner of Passing Evenings— Spaniards vs. Mexicans- 
Geography at a Discount — Education among the Wealthy Improving— 
Women of the Middle Class. 

City of Mexico, January, 1848. 

I SPEND, perhaps, on an average, two evenings a week in social 

intercourse with resident families. Every polite head of a family 

puts his house at your disposal, and everything therein ; his house 

is the casa de usted, but that is a mere form, and not to be under- 



164 EL PUCHERO, OR 

stood as an invitation, unless accompanied by a manner of undoubted 
earnestness. When you make an informal call, a cup of chocolate 
may be handed, with a bit of bread or cake, after which mama 
takes out her little case of paper segars, hands it to you and the 
elders around her, and then commences a round of smoking little 
interrupted until the time comes for taking leave. The Ninas (as 
the daughters are affectionately styled in the family circle), do not 
join the smokers, so that the fashion, for ladies, appears to be going 
out with the rising generation. Some little games of fortune-tell- 
ing, &c., are introduced for the young folks, while the old look on 
with approbation. The manners of the children towards their 
parents are free, yet respectful, and neither seem to impose restraint 
on the other. The family circle, for a stranger, is rather dull, gene- 
rally, except where music is introduced, as, by the way, it very com- 
monly is. The muchacJios and muchachas (boys and girls), are both 
better instructed in accomplishments than in practical knowledge; 
the education of the girls is particularly defective. Music, in many 
families, is highly cultivated by both sexes ; drawing and painting 
among the boys, and embroidery among the girls, have also many 
proficients; but, when it comes to waltzing and dancing, there is no 
limitation ; young and old, grave and gay, seem to waltz by intui- 
tion ; and the American, with his utilitarian views, who has devoted 
his life to filling his head with such stufi" as grammar, geography, 
and arithmetic, to putting steam in traces, and writing his letters in 
lightning, all at the expense of his heels, is a sujeto mui mal in- 
struido, indeed. The ladies have a very limited fund of conversa- 
tion, when the topic of music is exhausted ; they do ask numerous 
questions concerning the manners, customs, and appearance of their 
sex in the United States, giving, at times, some very slight hints of 
their own superiority. They have generally very small feet and 
hands, of which they are exceedingly proud, and, with something of 
a triumphant air, they mention having heard that our ladies are not 
remarkable in this particular. I declare that ours are so many 
Cinderellas, at which they look very incredulous. Nothing from 
the States amuses them so much as the accounts of Tom Thumb ; 
an homhre tan chiquitito, as to be compared with the dedo pulgar, 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 165 

(thumb,) and yet so well made and rational, and a general too ! 
The idea is enchanting. I have described him a hundred times 
(without ever having seen him), and the interest he excites is uni- 
versal. The ladies have all heard of him ; and if Mr. Polk wtints 
to send a lion here as commissioner, Tom Thumb would be the 
man, as better known than any statesman in America. Then the 
seiioritas are so crazy to see him ! 

When a sufficient company is in the house for a little dance, the 
couples are on the floor immediately; the piano is put in requisi- 
tion, and off they go. The old folks probably sit down to a game 
of tresillo, which finds the favour here that whist does in English 
society, while it appears to exercise equally the memory and judg- 
ment. At times the betting is pretty free, and pesos (dollars), 
change hands with some rapidity. This is the smallest scale of 
Mexican gaming. The youngsters are much more innocently en- 
gaged in music and dancing. Now and then some fair damsel is 
called to the piano for a song, and you are surprised with a beauti- 
ful piece of music from an Italian opera, in which even the original 
language is preserved. Other voices, male and female, are gene- 
rally ready to strike in at the chorus. If any laughing, bright-eyed 
Andalusian is present, she will favour the company with some of 
the lively chansonnettes of her native land ; a portion of Spain 
where an almost French vivacity predominates greatly over the pro- 
verbial gravity of Spaniards. 

Spanish residents consider themselves generally far superior to the 
Mexicans, and with this much reason, that they have had the ad- 
vantage of a residence in two worlds. The Mexicans yet look upon 
Spain with a reverence she has long ceased to obtain from any other 
part of the world ; at the same time, between the two classes, there 
is little love lost. The Spaniards hold the Mexicans in contempt, 
while the latter regard the former with feelings of jealousy and dis- 
trust. They are known in Mexico by the soubriquet of Gachupines. 
The feeling, which was once very bitter, is now, however, little more 
than a reminiscence, or a theory ; the parties visit, and intermarry 
freely. I was quite entertained a few evenings since by a conversa- 
tion between an old lady, who had never been out of hearing of the 



166 EL PUCHERO, OR 

Cathedral bells, and an American officer ; she was curious to be in- 
formed of his travels, and her questions made a very sufficient expose 
of her attainments in geography. Among other things, she wished 
to know what was the principal town of New Orleans ; and whether 
he had ever been in Spain or France. " I have never been in Europe," 
he said. " Yes, but in France V said the old lady, inquiringly, when 
he repeated his remark, and she her question. The gentleman looked 
considerably puzzled — must he explain to her that France is in Eu- 
rope ? However, the husband came to the rescue — he saw his wife 
was asking very foolish questions, and abruptly turned the conver- 
sation. I do not think the old lady could have misunderstood him ; 
more likely, in her mind fair Esjmna, with the great nations of An- 
dalusia, Castilla, Gralicia, &c., was a convertible term with Europe. 
This was an extreme case, doubtless, but probably not a solitary 
one. Per contra, I may mention having met with a young married 
lady, Mexican born, whose acquaintance with the affairs of modern 
Europe was very accurate and extensive ; she was versed in the better 
kind of French literature, and was withal highly educated. I was 
very much surprised, but learned on inquiry, that her parents, who 
are of the ricos Iwmhres, millionaires, of Mexico, had spared neither 
pains nor expense to procure for their children the tii'st masters. 
This, then, is another extreme case. I have been much gratified, in 
the social circles of Mexico, in observing the filial respect of chil- 
dren to their parents — the fond attachment of the elders is rewarded 
by the devotion of the juniors — a trait that is sure to enlist respect 
and good-will wherever seen. 

A Mexican gentleman never completes his education in Mexico; 
he travels on the continent of Europe, and occasionally in England 
or the United States, after a collegiate course, partial or complete, 
in Spain or France. Such persons consequently have much more 
liberal and enlightened views than the mass of their countrymen. 
The study of the French and English languages is becoming much 
attended to by the rising generation of both sexes ; accomplished 
French teachers are not scarce, females particularl}^, though there 
are perhaps not two competent teachers of English in Mexico. 

Now and then, I drop in at some of the shops kept by women, 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 167 

and make a small purchase tlie pretext for a long talk. They are 
habitually shrewd, and frequently intelligent. Some of them, indeed, 
read much more than their superiors in the social scale. I found 
one reading a French TeUmaque, without instruction. I assisted 
her a little, which gave her an exalted idea of my scholarship, and 
led her to express her views pretty freely on history, polities, lan- 
guages, Mexican character, religion, &c. She repelled indignantly 
a remark I quoted from a Spaniard, that the ladrones made offer- 
ings to their patron saints to give them success in their unlawful 
excursions ; she said, they were bad enough for anything, but not 
such fools as that implied. Her religious toleration far exceeded 
my expectations ; she thought God alone could judge for the fate of 
Catholic or Protestant, Jew or Gentile ; and that men are only re- 
sponsible according to the lights given to them. 



LETTER XXXVIII. 

A delightful Book for studying Spanish — Tasks — Recess — Precautions 
against Robbers — Prescott's History — A Visit to Tacuba — Expenses of 
Living — Aztec Club — Visit to a Cotton Factory. 

City of Mexico, February, 1848. 

I HAVE made a valuable acquaintance in the person of a gentle- 
man of the city, who completed his education in England. Being 
an exceedingly well-informed man, his society is particularly desir- 
able. He expressed an anxiety to keep up his acquaintance with 
our language, while I am equally desirous of mastering his ; so we 
resolved to lend each other a hand, and the result is highly gratify- 
ing. For some time back my attention had been captivated by 
large street bills, announcing for sale '^ Historia de la Conquista de 
Mejico, por Don Guillermo Prescott," which I had determined to 
read ; and I was much pleased upon learning that Don R had 



168 EL PUCHERO, OR ! 

a copy ill bis possession, translated by bis personal friend, Don Lucas 
Alamaii. We went to work witb a rigbt good will ; I read tbe i 
portion for tbe evening to Don R. (in bis parlour), wbo corrects my I 
pronunciation, after wbicb be takes tbe book, and renders tbe Spa- 
nisb into good Englisb ; tben in comes a bissing tea-kettle, and my* 
friend, wbo learned otber things in England beside tbe idiom, brews 
a bot gin toddy, and offers wine, cordial, cbocolate, or other beve-; 
rage, according to circumstances. La Senorita- — (young married j 
ladies in Mexico, scarcely old ones indeed, like tbe more formal i 
Sehora, Mrs., or Madam) — gives us her company and conversation! 
for half an hour, smokes a paper segar or two, while Don E,. and ■ 
myself demolish each apiiro; tben she leaves tbe field for us to re- 
sume our duties. Don R. gives me some well-written book of simple ; 
style from bis library, as Chesterfield's Letters, wbicb I render into, 
Spanish, after a fashion, though he is polite enough to say I do it 
remarkably well. These sessions we have on stated evenings ; be- ; 
tween ten and eleven, I buckle on my armour for tbe long, lonely; 
walk homeward. The same precautions are always reiterated, "Be-j 
ware of the ladrones; keep in the middle of tbe streets; give a wide i 
berth to the corners," &c. ; all of wbicb goes to show tbe miserable i 
state of this great city, where honest people dare not walk at night, i 
without tbe fear of being sprung upon by robbers from behind every , 
dark recess or corner. Witb a sword and revolver, however, anj 
American may pursue bis way in peace. I always carry them at : 
night, but have never bad occasion to use either. These valiant i 
assassins, who are so familiar with "cold iron," have tbe most holy! 
horror of firearms, which few of them know how to use. They sup- \ 
pose all American officers provided with, and ready to use them, ' 
which is probably the reason we pass unmolested. : 

This Senor Prescott's work is one of intense interest, read in any I 
country; you may suppose how much it is enhanced here, where onei 
may look out from his windows upon bills and valleys immortalized 1 
by the scenes our gifted countryman describes so vividly. I this { 
day read his thrilling account of tbe noche triste, when Cortes and j 
his adventurous little band made their retreat to Tacuba (which I j 
visited a few days ago). They pushed on rapidly, but mournfully, . 

i 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 169 

for the friendly soil of their Tlaxcalan allies, taking some slight 
repose at a temple, a few miles beyond Tacuba, on an elevation 
where now stands (plainly visible from my position) the church of 
Nuestra Senora de los Remedios. Cortes' victory over the Aztecs 
at Otumba is an instance of truth surpassing fiction. Brave and 
adventurous was this warrior always ', wonderful in prosperity, but 
in adversity superhuman. Tacuba is now a miserable hamlet, dis- 
tinguished only for its history ; a very antique church, said to have 
been founded by the conqueror, is the most noticeable object to a 
stranger. The route we took (a small party of officers) led us by 
Alvarado's Leap and the causeway, through a region so densely 
populated, for the first four miles, after passing through the garita 
(of San Cosme), as to appear a continuation of the city. On either 
side were low, rich fields, covered by the lake in the days of the 
conquest, now reclaimed, and in a high state of cultivation. From 
Tacuba we proceeded to the Carmelite convent of San Joaquin (pro- 
nounced walk in), where we were politely received by the friars, 
and shown around their ample grounds and gardens. We took a 
roundabout course homeward, riding over a desert to Molino del 
Rey, having passed for several miles but a single mansion (Macienda 
de los Morales), which was surrounded by its vineyards (maguey 
plant). We then returned by Chapultepec to the city. Comparing 
my own observations with Mr. Prescott's descriptions, I cannot but 
be astonished at the accuracy of the latter, the more wonderful when 
we remember they are from the pen of a student, who, thousands of 
miles distant from the scenes he paints so truly, cannot even enjoy 
the sight of those around him. His is a striking instance of genius 
prevailing over misfortune. Intelligent Mexicans hold his name in 
sincere and hearty veneration. 

Living in this city, in high life, appears to be an expensive busi- 
ness, averaging in families addicted to style, from ten to twenty 
thousand dollars per annum. This great expenditure does not reach 
as far as with us, on account of the high prices paid here for all luxu- 
ries. My informant, a Spanish resident merchant, told me that, in 
some cases, four or five thousand dollars are consumed annually in 
keeping up coaches, horses, mules, and servants. It is a matter of 

15 



170 EL PUCHERO, OR 

pride and rivalry to keep a variety of elegant coaches, which are 
bought at an enormous price, kept in repair at rates unknown 
among our mechanics, and taxed beyond credence. Mexican horses 
are never driven ; either mules, that bring some five hundred dollars 
a pair when well broken, ov frisunes, northern horses that sometimes 
bring a thousand dollars each, are used by the gentry. The horde of 
servants retained in wealthy families should scarcely be reckoned 
among luxuries; they might be better classed as necessary nuisances. 
Rents, taxes, furniture, dress, theatre^ &c., run up the remaining 
expenses. The hotels arc very expensive, and not the most com- 
fortable ; a number of the officers have associated themselves into a 
very pleasant society, under the title of the Aztec Cluh, where good 
cheer may be had by members at moderate rates, and good company 
for nothing. There is perhaps as much comfort at the club as in 
the princely mansions of the wealthiest Mexicans. 

By invitation, I rode some days ago with a Spanish resident to 
visit a cotton factory belonging to an English manufacturer, on the 
banks of the river Contreras, beyond San Angel. The proprietor, 
who married in this country, entertained us with true English 
hospitality. In the fastnesses of Mexico he adheres to his ale, and 
his old port, that he brought out in profusion, and though we were 
too early for dinner, about two o'clock, he had a collation set con- 
sisting of various dishes, piping hot from the kitchen ; among others 
some boiled ham, of his own curing, very like ours of Virginia. He 
gave us, in fact, little time to look at the works, which are plied by 
native operatives. The machinery was, for the most part, from the 
United States (Patterson, New Jersey) ; some of the looms, &c., 
however, were English and French. He informed me that he ob- 
tains his raw cotton from New Orleans, which stands him, at his fac- 
tory, about five times the original cost. While we were at his house a 
number of Mexicans passed, carrying loads of fire-arms, which they 
had found and concealed after the battles. It gave our host great un- 
easiness, as he said numerous murders were committed in the neigh- 
bourhood every Sunday and feastday. We accompanied him to the 
nearest alcalde, or judge, a slip-shod half-breed, who had courage 
enough to arrest the party carrying arms, of which he relieved them. 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 171 

Our English friend told us he did this at the risk of his life, and that 
he himself had incurred a great risk in giving information. The judge 
kept a small shop, and offered us some mescal, the alcoholic product 
of the maguey. It resembles Irish whiskey. Taking leave, we re- 
turned through San Angel and the antique Coyoacan, where Cortes 
desired his remains should repose, thence through a most picturesque 
country, to the city. 



LETTER XXXIX. 

Gran funcion at the Plaza de Toros ; Anglice, a Bull-iight — Ctrcus — Pano- 
rama — Cartiaval — Ash-Wednesday — The Viceroys — Introduction of Cop- 
per Coin among the Indians — Velasco — His manly stand in favour of the 
Oppressed — La Viga. 

City of Mexico, March, 1848. 
Upon a single occasion, I was led by curiosity to the Plaza de 
Toros, where a grand /z<?jczo« (every diversion here is a funcion) 
was announced for the opening of the season. I cannot say that I 
was disappointed, inasmuch as my tastes were not likely to be grati- 
fied there; I went to see a national diversion, once called the "gen- 
tlest pastime" of Spain, and which has for so many centuries main- 
tained unrivalled popularity among the people of that country, and 
the wide-spread nations acknowledging that origin. We had a 
poor entertainment ; half a dozen bulls were successively let in, 
worried unwillingly to combat, and soon despatched by the hands of 
the Matador. My sympathies, little roused, inclined to the bulls. 
The building for the purpose is a large amphitheatre ; the vast open 
space of the centre is enclosed by a circle of sheds, of two or three 
tiers, for the spectators. The division of seats is for the "sunny 
side" and the " shady side ;" the latter, of course, belonging to the 
aristocracy. A full band of music amused the spectators, until 
everything was in readiness ; when, at a proper signal, the first bull 



172 EL PUCHERO, OR ; 

was let into tlie arena, whose ferocity was confined to attempts to 
clear the barrier, and make his escape. Worried, however, by the 
handei-illeros, a set of attendants armed with sharp arrow-like 
goads, ornamented with rosettes and streamers of ribands, which 
they discharged upon his neck and shoulders, where they hung sus- 
pended, floating in the air, he turned on his tormentors, rushed at I 
a picador (one of the mounted assailants), and lifting horse and ! 
rider on his horns, threw them over a low barrier into a smaller 
ring, intended for circus feats ; the horse would have been killed, 
but that the points of the enraged animal's horns had been sawed 
off (to the indignation of the spectators), so as to prevent his goring. 
The attendants, or functionaries, wore rich, tight-fitting dresses, • 
highly adorned, and on their shoulders light scarlet mantles, for the ■ 
purpose of enraging the bull. The dress of the matador was of 
rich silk, splendidly embroidered with gold and silver. This gen- 
tleman is a character of no small importance in his own estimation, : 
and that of numerous admirers. There were no ladies present — , 
but few women, and they of the lowest. ' 

The circus company that came with the army, has not been very i 

well supported. I made one call there for the purpose of seeing j 

the theatre occupied by them, which before the building of the j 

nacional, was considered a fine establishment. It is now deserted, '■ 
for its more showy rival, except by inferior companies of native 

artists, and those who look for cheap entertainments. I 

I have had no gratification in the way of sight-seeing in Mexico, 1 

equal to the panoramic view from the lofty towers of the Cathedral. I 

Ascending, you pass through the ample apartments of the bell- ! 

ringer's family above the roof, and immediately under the belfry. \ 

The eye, from the latter, ranges over the proud city, looking down f 

upon its domes and terraced roofs, over the beautiful valley, dotted I 

with its lakes and mountains, field.?, chapels, villages, and castles. , 

On the plain, beyond the gate of San Lazaro, may be seen at times, n 

a body of troops going through their division drill, with the accom- ^i 

paniaments of dragoons and flying artillerj-, resembling, in the '| 

distance, a puppet show ; crowds of pigmy people, pigmy coaches, \ 

horses, padres, soldiers, water-carriers, women, children, Indians, I 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 173 

donkeys, fill the streets and plaza, reminding you by their motions, 
of the shifting machinery used by artists, to serve up precisely simi- 
lar scenes. 

On the 8 th inst., I was reminded that Lent had set in, by seeing 
crowds of persons, generally females, returning to their homes with 
the cross, of ashes, on their foreheads. It was Ash- Wednesday. 
For a week previous, the city had been enjoying the car naval, with 
less display, however, than under other circumstances. There were 
some masquerades, public and low, and private and respectable. 
From my windows, I witnessed a private one across the way ; the 
masks wore a great variety of costumes, and the scene, with the gay 
music and dancing, was quite attractive. The shops were perfect 
museums of disjraces ; full-rigged figures, like actors representing 
various ages, stood arrayed, ready to give up their spoils to players, 
not, like themselves, dummies. Vive la hagetelle ! 

I have two Spanish works on my table of great interest ; one, a 
poem of the fii'st order, " El Moro exposito, o Cordoba y Bxirgos," 
by Don Angel de Saavedra, which is highly recommended to me as 
containing lofty sentiment, in pure language, without any of the 
bombast in which Spanish poets indulge so freely; the other, " El 
Liceo Mejicano," a spirited literary periodical, that enjoyed a few 
years of existence in this city. I borrowed it for the purpose of 
reading the histories of the viceroys, published in a series of articles 
embracing a great portion of the Mexican history of their times. 

The first viceroy, Mendoza, introduced copper coin for general 
cii'culation, which the Indians of his day resolutely refused to re- 
ceive for their commodities. They scorned so base a circulating me- 
dium. By rigid laws, however, they were forced to receive it, which 
they appeared to do cheerfully. All of a sudden it was observed that 
not a coin of that metal was to be found. The Indians, by concert, 
had collected all that was to be had, and thrown it into the lakes. 
A small silver coin (cuartillo), equal to two copper clacos, or three 
cents of our currency, was introduced, which followed the fate of 
the copper. The objection to them was their small size and liability 
to be lost. At this day, the poor Indians rarely touch any more 

1.5* 



174 EL PUCHERO, OR 

precious pieces than the lowly clacos their fathers treated with so 
much scoru. 

Without continuing the lives of the viceroys, the bold stand 
taken by the second, Velasco, in favour of the weak against the 
strong, the oppressed against the oppressor, deserves commemora- 
tion. He devoted himself to rescuing from a most cruel slavery 
the unhappy children of the nations of Anahuac ; they were worked 
to death in the mines, and when his eflforts were bitterly opposed by 
the proprietors and the king's officers, saying, that their emancipa- 
tion would leave no workmen for the mines, his reply was, '' That 
the liberty of the Indians was of more importance than all the mines 
in the world, and as to the rents of the crown from this source, 
they could not justify the trampling under foot of all human and 
divine laws." 

At this season (Lent), the fashionable afternoon drive shifts from 
the Faseo to La Vitja, a beautiful avenue, ornamented on both 
sides with luxuriant shade-trees and flanked its entire length, on 
the eastern side, by the canal to Chalco. Double lines of coaches, 
public and private, the former generally very rusty, and the latter 
very elegant equipages, pass gaily up one side and down the other, 
freighted with the wealthy and the fair of Mexico. Papa and 
mamma (^jmdrc, father, and madrc, mother, are terms not used in 
domestic life, — they are considered too stifi" for household use,) 
throw themselves back in state, not deigning to see the dashing 
cavaliers who gallop by on their fiery /)-iso«es; but the bright-eyed 
sehoritas are more observant, and are not so wanting in charity as 
to throw themselves back where their fair faces would be hidden 
from the admiring gaze of the gallant invaders. The canal is 
covered with boats as various in their fashions as the coaches; they 
are occupied by Indians, who enjoy themselves singing and dancing, 
and playing on rude instruments of music. Each boat is a floating 
flower-garden, from which the occupants of the coaches buy wreaths 
to crown their children. The coaches have their halting-places at 
semicircular expansions of the road, where they turn in and face to 
front, resting long enough to allow the compliments of the day 
between friends, and to make a few observations on the gay throng 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 175 

in motion. Then the bucks run the gauntlet ! As the dews of 
evening begin to fall, first goes one coach, then another, then a 
section of horsemen, then other coaches and other horsemen, until 
the last lingering group leave the ground to find themselves bring- 
ing up the rear of a great procession, until the parties diverge to 
their respective homes. 



LETTER XL. 



Convicts in Chain-gangs — Their Employment — Temporary Marriages — 
Fueros, or Special Privileges — Magic — Hospital de Jesus — Portrait of 
Cortes — Diversions modified by Lent — Names, and Diminutives — Religious 
Emblems. 

/ 
City of Mexico, March, 1848. 
A COMPANY of about a hundred prisoners in a chain-gang, (re- 
minding one of the worthy party released by the valiant knight of 
La Mancha,) have been passing my quarters daily, of late, carrying 
picks, shovels, spades, and other utensils for cleaning and repairing 
the streets. This important duty falls principally on them, for 
though the Ayuntamiento levies annually heavy taxes for that very 
purpose, many of the citizens think the sums collected tend rather 
to soil the hands of certain of the functionaries, than to sweeten the 
highways and by-ways of the city. The keeping the last clean, and A"^^ 
in order, is difiicult in the extreme, as may be readily understood 
when it is remembered the city is in the bottom of the basin, and 
that efficient drainage is impossible. The citizens know that large 
sums are collected for the purpose, and expended — how collected 
they know full well ; but how expended, is altogether another ques- 
tion. The work done is efi"ected principally by the convicts, who 
are sent out in gangs under charge of an armed escort of soldiers, 
mounted and on foot. The convicts are chained in couples — an iron 



176 EL PUCHERO, OR 

girdle around the middle connects by a chain six feet long with 
another girdle around another prisoner ; thus making an unwilling 
pair of Siamese twins, to spend years together, if not a lifetime. 
The chains go clinking over the stones, sounding, when the company 
is large, like many little tinkling bells ; a most grating music, no 
doubt, to those who wear them. The poor wi'etehes, vile and crimi- 
nal as they undoubtedly are, enjoy a little human sympathy, for by 
many a one trudges the poor wife, or querida* more faithful, per- 
haps, in adversity than she ever was in prosperity. 

The Mexican commonalty think our ideas of marriage as loose as 
their own. A sprightly dame of the middle class, asked me if it 
was not the custom in the United States for couples to marry for a 
term of years, according to special agreement. I told her no, that 
people were married for life, like the respectable classes of her own 
country. She contradicted me promptly, saying that an English 
resident, who had passed some time in the United States, had nuide 
her acquainted with our customs, and that she knew the temporary 
marriages were among them. I said, rather roughly, that the 
Englishman had been imposing on her ; that, in short, he was a 
gross liar. " Oh ! don't be angry," she said, '' I know it is a cus- 
tom of your country, but I did not think of finding fault with you 
for it ; I am sure the blame is not yours." I laughed at her mis- 
conception, but she looked upon it as an admission, and added I 
might as well have admitted the truth from the first, as she had 
Amei'ican as well as English authority for her information. I could 
only suppose that some unworthy countryman of ours had been him- 
self in pursuit of a better half in a connexion, tied by a slip-knot, 
that should only last " during the war." 

Certain orders in this country retain privileges the most anti-re- 
publican in their nature, unworthy remains of the days of monarchical 

rule. A case has just come under my notice. Don R has a 

claim against a Mexican army officer, which is incontestably good, 
and not even disputed by the latter, but he throws himself on his 
fueros, (privileges referred to,) by which a military man is put above 

* Querida, mistress. They assume the fidelity of the wife for the time 
being. The Spanish language has no word proper for wife. La Senora is 
only Don Fulauo's mujer, woman. 



J 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 177 

the civil law. The debt cannot be collected except judgment be 
given by a military court, so that at present, in the disorganized 
state of the Mexican army, which will continue indefinitely, the claim 
is almost worthless. These fueros are more extensive in certain 
corps of the army, as in the facultativos, or scientific arms of artil- 
lery, engineering, &c., than in others less favoured. The clergy, 
too, have their /"weros, which are ample, as may be supposed. 

We have lionizing here, Herr Alexander, the German magician ; 
he does many wonderful things to amuse and astonish us, but the 
most remarkable is, that he draws full houses at the Nacional, in- 
cluding a fair pi'oportion of the gentler sex. The theatre is the 
nightly resort of the ladies of the heau monde in times of peace j 
but they have avoided it hitherto, by general consent, since our 
occupation. It requires a disciple, or a master of the black art, to 
draw them out. There are some fine-looking women to be met in 
such places, but few or none of a high order of beauty. Black eyes 
and dark tresses predominate, but the beauties of Mexico are by no 
means exclusively of the dark order. Blue eyes and fair hair are 
not uncommon, and are much admired. 

I have not yet written to you of the '* Hospital de Jesus," a 
venerable institution to which I paid a second visit some days ago. 
It was founded and endowed by the immortal Cortes, and contains 
many memorials of himself and his times. I had the pleasure to 
meet there Don Lucas Alaman, one of the most reputable gentle- 
men, and distinguished literary characters of Mexico. Mr. Alaman 
is the apoderado, or attorney, of the heirs of the conqueror, and is 
by virtue of his ofl&ce governor of the hospital. His countenance 
expresses a high degree of benevolence and intelligence, both of 
which he exercised in furnishing our gifted Prescott with most inte- 
resting details of the conquest, taken from the archives in his pos- 
session. Among the curiosities of the Hospital I saw historical 
documents, in manuscript, that have been kept there for upwards of 
three hundred years ; the original signatures of the conqueror, of 
La Marquesa his wife, and of the Emperor Charles V., signed to 
an illuminated manuscript document, (patent of nobility to " El 
Marques,") according to the fashion of the Spanish sovereigns 
" Yo, EL Rey." We (I met there accidentally, Colonel Childs, the 



178 EL PUCHERO, OR 

distinguished governor of Puebla, escorted by Captain N , 2d 

Pennsylvania Volunteers, a competent cicerone in the antiquities of 
Mexico) were politely shown through the various apartments of the 
Hospital, as in the wards, where there are at present forty patients 
comfortably provided for, by the bountiful charity of the founder; 
into the original chapel where he worshipped, now used as a labo- I 
ratory for the service of the hospital; into a sacristry, adjoining ' 
the modern chapel, with a rich ceiling in arabesque, the only speci- I 
men in Mexico, and rarely seen in Europe, except in temples and ' 
palaces reared by the Moors during their domination. In one of 
the rooms is a splendid full-length portrait of the conqueror, taken i 
during his lifetime. It is a striking picture, and looks vraisemhla- \ 
hie-, according to it, the hero was rather a slight man, of graceful ' 
figure, and fine countenance ; a fiery devil lurks in his eye, yet every ] 
feature of his face is winning. ! 

Public amusements are less attended during Lent, than at other i 
seasons ; but, in my visits, I have found music, dancing, and cards , 
quite current in the domestic circle. You would be struck by the 
Christian names of the women and children ; thus, half the boys i 
seem to rejoice in the nomire (given name) oi Jose- Maria, and as j 
many of the gentler sex in that of Jes^is (call it always, Hai-soos). j 
The female names are more prominent, as they are addressed by | 
them, by everybody, as among the Friends, for life. It sounds | 
strange enough, at first, to hear a young girl call a venerable matron, j 
old enough to be her grandam, Maria, Antonia, or Anita, but it is I 
by no means irreverent, and soon passes unnoticed. Affectionate • 
diminutives are in universal use; thus, Jesus is most commonly ; 
turned into Jesusita (Hai-su-se-ta), Ana, Anita, &c. A great strap- | 
ping beggar implores your aid, not for a pohre (poor man), but for '■ 
ix ])obrecito, that is, a poor, dear, sweet creature. Such a person ' 
appealed lately to me as a cahaUarito (a sweet little caballero), [ 
making, at the same time, a piteous statement about his madrecita, ! 
his dear little mother. The houses of this country show the devo- | 
tional tendencies of the people ; within, are pious pictures ; with- j 
out, very commonly, are painted, or moulded on the walls, crosses, ; 
sacred hearts, and pious ejaculations, as to the Santisivio nonibre [ 
de Jesus. 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 179 



LETTER XL I. 



Court of Inquiry — Hot Springs — Former Inundations — Surface of Lakes 
above the Level of the City — Drains, or Desagiie — Floating Gardens — 
Mexico, a Republic only in Name — Social Grades— Lawyers and Doctors. 

City of Mexico, March, 1848. 

The Court of Inquiry involving the cases of Generals Scott and 
Pillow and Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan, is now in session at the 
palace, and is the focus of attraction for the army. Grenerals Tow- 
son, Cushing, and Colonel Belknap, constitute the court ; Captain 
S. C. Ridgely is the judge-advocate. I frequently look in, not only 
to hear the developments brought out by the examination of witnesses, 
but also to see the numerous distinguished officers of the army who 
daily assemble there. General Scott frequently addresses the court, 
and always with visible emotion ; it is evident that he is deeply 
hurt and mortified, at being stricken down from his high command, 
where he rendered such eminent services to his country, to be ar- 
raigned as if his course had been questionable and unsatisfactory. If 
his country prove ungrateful, which I do not believe, he will have the 
melancholy satisfaction of knowing that his case has had many illus- 
trious precedents. He is a man of large proportions, about six feet 
five inches in height, without being unduly tall ; time and care have 
traced their lines on his ample brow ; and, advanced in years as he 
is, his appearance is at once venerable and majestic. Pillow, his 
antagonist, is a young man, apparently little over forty, and may be 
called handsome. He is no doubt a man of some talent, and I 
would suppose him an acute and shrewd lawyer, but a fii-st-rate in 
no respect. He has no reputation in the army as a general, but is 
too ambitious a person to keep back during the dangers of the com- 
bat, so that his personal courage, so far as I know, is unquestioned. 
Cushing is the most distingue-lookmg man in the court, but he 
looks more the pale student than the doughty general. 

Several officers and myself rode a few days ago to Penon de los 



180 EL PUCHERO, OR 

Bahos (rock of the baths), a place of note a league from the city, j 
From the base of an isolated rocky knob arises a fountain of hot 
water, over which is erected a large stone building divided into 
various apartments for bathing and other purposes. The baths are 
said to be valuable in rheumatic cases, and are resorted to, as are j 
the springs elsewhere, with this difference, that in this case, the j 
visiters have to carry bag and baggage, provisions and bedding. ' 
Empty rooms, with kitchen ranges adjoining, and the baths, are all ] 
that money will obtain from the keepers. We ascended to the , 
mountain top, partly on horseback and partly on foot; we enjoyed ! 
a hasty view of Lake Tescuco and the many beauties of this won- \ 
derful valley, but we did not venture to lose sight long of our horses ; | 
several Americans, who have left theirs but for a moment in this \ 
vicinity, have been iiuder the necessity of returning to the city on , 
foot, without ever learning the fate of their animals and equip- ! 
ments. Solitary horsemen have more than once been dismounted; I 
have lost their horses, and barely saved their lives. This kind of I 
robbery is so common, that few JVIexicans are to be found who will ' 
venture out of the city gates alone. Our road led us by the garita . 
de San Lazaro, near which is a leper hospital, which is always j 
pretty well filled. The leprosy of Mexico is the result, direct or \ 
indirect, of filthy vices and abandoned debauchery. \ 
In the sketches of the lives of the viceroys, which I am yet read- ; 
ing, are many interesting historical details, interwoven with endless 
petty quarrels between the viceroys and the bishops ; feuds among ■ 
different orders of the clergy; the mal-administration and per- { 
verseness of the royal cmdiencias ; the revolts of Indians, and so ; 
forth, all tending to mar the welfare of the suffering people. Gene- | 
ral inundations and fearful earthquakes caused, at times, great deso- j 
lation, but were scarcely more disastrous to the masses than the ] 
factious contests of their local rulers. During some of the inunda- 
tions, the waters rose to the height of eight or ten feet in the streets j 
of the city, drowning thousands, of Indians especially, destroying J 
their habitations, and bringing, secondarily, pestilence and famine, j 
Wide-spread disease followed the slow drying up on the surrounding 
potreros, or low grounds, while famine followed the extensive loss of i 

I 



1 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 181 

provisions caused by the floods. It became, of course, a matter of 
the first importance to. protect the community from such disastrous 
visitations, and even in the days of Montezuma, dikes and drains 
were made at great hxbour and expense. They were, however, quite 
ineffectual, so much so, that after the Spaniards had devoted many 
years of scientific labour to the same object, as late as from 1629 to 
1634, the streets of the city were under water, and intercourse had 
to be carried on in boats. Many expedients were devised for directing 
the superabundant water of the lakes out of the valley, which, after 
many delays, was at length effected. Of the five lakes in the valley, 
the surface of three is higher than the level of the city ; of the three 
to the north of it, that of Tescuco, the nearest, is some three feet 
below that level ; that of San Cristobal, a mile beyond Tescuco, is 
eight feet above it, and that of Zumpango, a league to the north- 
ward and westward, is about twenty feet above the level of San 
Cristobal. Into Zumpango emptied the river Gruautillan; and as 
the former had no outlet, during a long prevalence of northerly 
winds, its waters passed to San Cristobal, where, uniting in one, the 
two, rushing into Tescuco, spread rapidly over the low shores upon 
which stands the city. By immense labour, the Gruautillan has 
been turned from Zumpango to the river Tula, or Montezuma, by 
which it passes, through the Rio Tampico, to the ocean. Drains 
from San Cristobal and Tescuco connect with the great river channel, 
called the Rio del Desague ; and thus the city remains free from the 
dangers of deluge. This diversion of waters, while it saves the city, 
has been the cause of robbing the valley of a great part of its fer- 
tility. The floating gardens we read so much of, have long since 
disappeared; there are now to be seen in place of them, slips of land 
reclaimed from the marshes, intersected by numerous ditches, and 
which can only be approached in boats. These, then, represent the 
floating gardens, and contribute to supply the city market with 
fruits, flowers, and vegetables. 

The oreat work of the Desague, or drain through the mountains, 
was effected, as everything else in Mexico in the way of great inter- 
nal improvement, under Spanish dominion. The Mexicans are beset 
with the laisser aller spirit of old Cuffee, who would not leave his 
i 16 



182 EL PUCIIERO, OR 

chimney-corner to repair his leaky roof during the rain, and as to 
repairing it during dry weather that was useless, as the old roof 
answered as well then as a new one. The Mexican government sits 
like an incubus on the people, doing nothing for their welfare, and the 
old people look back with regret to the old regime. They say it is a 
mockery to speak of the Mexican republic ; that they have the burdens 
of monarchy without its stability. That abuses abounded during the 
time of the vice-regal sway is admitted, yet in those days it appears 
there was greater security for life and property. The scientific esta- 
blishments planted and fostered then, have now dwindled into insig- 
nificance ; the gi-eat highways and bridges are in the state in which 
the republic found them, except for the ravages of time. It matters 
little what a government is called, the spirit of a republic exists not 
here. The old nobility retain their titles (by custom) ; high func- 
tionaries affect princely style, and the humbler emjyleados practise 
■more than courtly servility. Mexico, to become a republic, wants 
regeneration, wants a people, for there is nothing in the land de- 
serving that appellation. The middle classes (that body politic that 
gives strength and stability to states) are but fragmentary; great 
landholders and princely merchants represent the aristocracy ; the 
army, the church, shopkeepers, artisans, &c., and adventurers, and 
place-seekers of all kinds, fill up the space between the ricos hom- 
bres, and the peons of the soil. Your honoured profession (law) is 
in the hands of unworthy members generally, who, besides a cha- 
racter worse than indifferent for integrity, have neither the reputa- 
tion for learning or talents, so common to the bar throughout the 
civilized world. The faculty of physic embraces some clever men, 
but generally, they are either foreigners, or indebted to other lands 
for their education. 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 183 



LETTER XLII. 

A Change of Residence — The House, and Family — A Family Dinner — The 
Market — Holy AVeek — Palm Sunday — A Canonigo — The Service — A Ser- 
mon — "Visiting the Sepulclires" — Bad Taste — Temporary Shops for Re- 
freshments — Good Friday — Rattles — Last of Lent. 

Mexico, April, 1848. 
Much to my surprise, a Mexican gentleman called on me not long 
since, inviting me to take up my residence in his household. As 
his house is distant from my hospital, beyond, but near the palace, 
I hesitated to accept his kind offer, but his urgency, coupled with 
my own desire to cultivate acquaintance among the citizens, over- 
ruled all objections, and I am now comfortably established in one 
of the most elegant mansions in this city. The gentleman has 
travelled in Europe and in the United States ; the lady too, which 
is more rare, has also visited the continent. The house is an elegant 
one, richly furnished, combining the commodities of wealth and taste, 
and preserving eminently the neatness, cleanliness, and order that 
are • usually found here in the habitations of the wealthy. The 
Mexican gentry are cleanly in their houses and in their habits ; they 
are much addicted to bathing, holding it, properl}^, advantageous, if 
not indispensable, to health. The family in this case consists of 

Don S , a gentleman of about five-and-thirty, his lady, la senorita, 

some five years younger, and two or three little children. Don S 

speaks English, and the lady French, which she sometimes uses to 
explain a word, or phrase of Spanish, a little beyond my scholarship. 
She has a cultivated taste in the fine arts, and is herself not unskil- 
ful in the use of the pencil, but being in a certain condition (em- 
harazada, as it is here termed), she keeps much in the background, 
leaving her lord and myself tite-d-tete many times when her society 
would be a very agi-eeable relief. Speaking of her condition, I may 
say here, once for all, that custom neither requires nor admits any 
mincing of terms in such cases. I have always thought a refinement, 



184 EL PUCIIERO, OR 

too subtle to be commendable, pervades society at home, in common 
conversation between gentlemen and ladies ; such is not the case in 
this country ; one may say anything, not absolutely indecent, that 
comes up naturally in his discourse. It would alter the case, no 
doubt, for a man to be trying how far he might go. — You would like 
to know, probably, the style of living of a genteel family, so let me 

introduce you for a moment to Mr. 's daily dinner table. I 

had taken breakfast, supper, and dulces, in other families before 
coming here, but dinner was something new, and I hoped to be 
allowed to have some two articles on my plate at once, contrary to 
the custom I had seen everywhere observed. My taste was to a cer- 
tain extent gratified. Now for the dinner. In the first place comes 
soup (caldo), say plain chicken soup, siich as you find at our hotels 
where French cookery is adopted ; then, one or more sopas of rice, 
/ideos (vermicelli), or bread, in a semi-fluid state ; then Bl Puchero,* 
a mixed dish of homely ingredients, of exceeding popularity among 
all classes of Spaniards. It is composed of houilli, bacon, a little 
cabbage, bananas, garbanzos (chick-peas, a coarse but valuable 
vegetable), and other variable ingredients, to which may be added 
a little tomato sauce. It makes a good (standard dish, in my opinion, 
though perhaps I am unduly partial, as it allows me to indulge a 
vulgar taste for bacon and greens, to say nothing of the other staples, 
without taking, according to the prevalent fashion, first a plate of 
bacon, and then another of greens. El Puchero weathers the fashion. 
When that is disposed of, meats roasted, stewed, and boiled, and 
vegetables have their turn ; then a salad ; then a course of fruits, 
and lastly, before the turn on the Paseo or La Viga, a round of dulces. 
Whenever you rest a moment from your labours, an attentive servant 
whips off" plate, knife, and fork, and supplies the place with others. 
My host is a man of delicate stamina, eats nothing gross, and has his 
meals prepared with a precision that men in high health would con- 
sider over nice. The old world contributes to his well-supplied 
table ; thus, his hams come from Spain, as well as his wines, some 
of the choicest of which are sent from the vineyard of a relative near 

* The glazed earthen vessel in which the contents are served, and from 
which they take the name. 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 185 
Cadiz. When the lady retires, and sometimes sooner, Mr. 



brings forth his pwros,* from Havana, and by the time we finish 
them, a servant announces that my horse is waiting in the court to 
take me to the hospital before going to the Paseo, and as I mount, 

Mr. 's fine northern horses are prancing in one of his three 

coaches, ready to whirl his family to the gay resort of fashion. 

I am about as indifferent to creature comforts as any other man, 
though always enjoying them when they come in my way ; what 
gratifies me most in my new position, is the opportunity aff"orded of 
seeing familiarly, private life among this reserved people, for I take 
more interest in the manners and customs of a people than in the 
grave accounts of the bickerings and contentions of their Solons and 
Lycurguses. 

My invitation into this family was iu part complimentary, but 
burglary and other crimes are so rife (involving in some instances 
the characters of certain Americans, who should be above suspicion), 
that»many femilies now prefer to have a friendly American domes- 
ticated with them, feeling it to be something of a protection. The 
obligations between the entertainer and the entertained, are there- 
fore somewhat mutual. 

This city enjoys a fine market,f so that you may see on the table, 
every day in the year, the fruits and vegetables of temperate and 
tropical climates ; the former the product of the tierras frias, or the 
table-land ; the latter, of the tierras calientes, or low-lands of the 
coast. Tropical fruits may be seen growing abundantly in this 
valley, but they rarely reach perfection. The only vegetable that I 
find wanting, that we use in the United States, is the okra (ffisbiscus 
esculentus) ; there may be others, but if so, I have not missed them. 
The vegetables of the valley are, however, very inferior to ours, of 
the same kind, in flavour ; they are beautiful to the eye, but com- 
paratively insipid. This may be owing to the fact that they are so 
commonly produced in beds more of water than of soil. 

* Segars entirely of tobacco, so called to distinguisli them from those in 
common use, wrapped in paper, or corn-shuck. 

f I have not seen the Mexican caviare called ahuanhtU, a famous dish 
made of the eggs of the insect called axayacatl. 

16* 



186 EL PUCHERO, OR 

I must give you a sketch of Holy Week, which has just expired, 
lasting from Palm to Easter Sunday. On the former day, " Birnam 
Wood" appeared to be moYing through the city, in the form of lofty 
palms, cut into fanciful figures, and dressed with bouquets and wreaths 
of flowers. About the Cathedral stood a forest of these palms. On 

Wednesday evening, Mr. took me in his coach to visit the 

Rev. Dr. R , a canonigo of the Cathedral, who was to officiate 

on the following day (Holy Thursday), and to request him to pro- 
cure me, as a stranger, an eligible position for witnessing the cere- 
monies. The canonigo is an old gentleman, of venerable aspect and 
pleasing manners ; he has the reputation of being a learned and 

good man, which he appears to deserve. Mr. told me that he 

is the joaf^re confesor of half the highbred scnon'fas of the city, among 
whom he is a great favourite. On the following morning, notwith- 
standing the press of his duties, he was kind enough to get me a 
seat in the choir, from which I had a full view of the proceedings. 
At a certain stage of the service, the Host was carried in procession 
through the aisles of the church, accompanied by a large train of 
clergy in gorgeous vestments, and distinguished civil officers, wear- 
ing showy insignia. A full and powerful band preceded the proces- 
sion, alternating its music with the chanting of the priests. A 
sermon was preached in the usual earnest and emphatic manner of 
the Mexican preachers ; it is heard by the congregation standing, as 
there are no pews in the churches of Catholic countries ; but from 
time to time, the assembled thousands fall on their knees to make 
some short special prayer, as recommended by the preacher ; when 
they rise, he resumes his discourse. After service at the Cathedral, 
I made a tour to numerous churches, following the crowds, " Visit- 
ing the Sepulchres." At every church was a representation of the 
Last Supper, either on canvass, over the altar, or in figures of the 
size of life, seated at the table in front of it. All the churches were 
ornamented with branches, fruits, flowers, and wax figures. Some 
of the churches were adorned with fantastic ornaments, in violation 
of the principles of good taste ; others, however, offered to the eye, 
not only nothing offensive, but very touching emblems of that period 
of the Redeemer's suffering. 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 187 

In the squares and streets, fanciful tents and booths, almost con- 
cealed by flowers, are erected for the sale of agiias frescas, fruits and 
other refreshments for the Easter holidays. 

On Grood Friday, the throngs in the streets and churches were 
immense ', in all the principal thoroughfares, the people were jammed 
as far as the eye could reach. Not a carriage is allowed to make 
its appearance, and all the fair dames and their lovely niSas, who 
rarely put their fairy feet on the vulgar pavements, make on this 
day an humble pilgrimage on foot to numerous churches. In the 
latter the paintings and ornaments are all veiled; the prominent 
figure is a full length of the Saviour, in wax, laid out for interment. 
There is no music, and for one day all the bells of the city are 
hushed in silence. In the churches, matracas (rattles) designate 
the stages of the service; and without, thousands of them, as toys, 
are rattling in the hands of all the children, and of half of the grown 
folks. 

On Saturday, the bells all broke forth in loud and musical peals; 
the coaches and other vehicles appeared in the streets, and things 
retiu-ned to their usual course, and thus ended Lent, with its real and 
supposed mortifications. 



LETTER XLIIL 

\'illages about the City — Acadeinia de los Artes Nobles, and Mineria — AiTival 
of Commissioners — Isthmus of Tehuantepec — Peace not desirable to the 
Mexicans — Drowsy Watchmen — Illustrations of Bad Government — Es- 
pionage — Annexation, or Protection desired. 

Mexico, April, 1848. 

During this month, I have visited most of the neighbouring vil- 
lages, which at this season are highly attractive. On one occasion 
I accompanied Colonel Riley, of 2d infantry, a gallant veteran and 
thorough old school soldier, a worthy son of the Maryland pilgrims, 
to the beautiful village of Tacubaya. Several regiments of our 



188 EL PUCHERO, OR 

troops are quartered there, occupying the charming casas de campo 
of wealthy townspeople, who, for the present, have to content 
themselves in their city quarters. 

The gardens and grounds attached to each house are spacious, 
clean and tasty; beautiful gravel walks, overhung by fruit and 
shade trees, are adorned at their intersections with arbours and foun- 
tains, while borders of flowers hide the less showy but more useful 
growths of the kitchen-garden. Tacubaya is on a swell of ground 
considerably above the adjoining plains and the level of the city; it 
is high and dry, and therefore much more healthy than the latter, 
as the experience of the troops now stationed there proves. 

There are two objects of attraction in the city to which I have 
not yet paid my respects, viz.: the Academy of Arts, and the 31ine- 
ria, or school of mines. The former I am told is quite decayed, 
though once so highly esteemed and patronised; the latter, a mag- 
nificent building, is occupied, or has been, I should say, by the 
gallant regiment of voltigeurs. It is a school of mathematics, mine- 
ralogy, and I believe, of natural philosophy generally, but though 
in operation, it is not considered flourishing. 

The two commissioners from the United States, Hon. Messrs. 
Clifibrd and Sevier, reached here lately within a few days of each 
other on their mission of peace. They were received with the high- 
est military honours by the army; and we trust an enlightened 
spirit of compromise will make their duties light, and enable us to 
return at an early day to our homes. 

I have been amusing myself for the last few days translating an 
account of a survey of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, by Mr. Mora, 
an eminent Italian engineer. The survey was made at the expense 
of Mr. Graray, who had made some arrangement with the govern- 
ment of Mexico for the rights and privileges of a canal for ships 
connecting the two oceans. Mr. Mora estimates the whole expense 
of the canal at not less than twelve, nor more than seventeen millions 
of dollars. He draws a comparison between that line and others 
proposed (Nicaragua and Panama), and by his showing, which is 
apparently very fair, the advantages offered by the Tehuantepec line 
are quite decided. The paper is an interesting one, accompanied by 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 189 

geological maps. It has been published, I am told, in English, but 
there are no copies to be had here. I sent my condensed translation 

to our friend D , of Baltimore. 

The better classes of this city are by no means very desirous of 
peace, and with reason. They dread the day of the evacuation by 
the American troops j they expect the worst, without knowing what 
it may be, some even apprehending the horrors now enacting in 
Yucatan. They would gladly pay the expenses of our army to keep 
it among them. They have no respect for their own government, 
declaring they only know it by its extortions, and not by any pro- 
tection it gives them. The rulers are but too commonly unprin- 
cipled adventurers, pushing their own fortunes at the expense of 
the honour and welfare of the nation. Many of the best citizens 
decline all connexion with the government, rather than sanction 
evils they could not control. Demagogues fill the high places, and 
fatten on the suffering state. To drive them off is to invite another 
swarm, yet more hungry. ''We all know and feel this," said an 
intelligent gentleman to me, "and we devise remedies simple 
enough in design, but difficult of execution. Like the rats who 
agreed unanimously to protect themselves from the stealthy in- 
cursions of puss by putting a bell around her neck, the plans 
are unexceptionable, but ^qiden va poner el cascahel al gato? — 
who is going to put the bell on the cat's neck ?" There is 
the difficulty. The army belongs to the government or the 
factions in power ; the people can do nothing but bear the fleece 
for the shearers. Thus, industry is paralysed, and honest labour 
contemned; for who will go to the pains to accumulate to be 
marked for plunder by professional robbers, or robbers by virtue 
of their government commissions? Misi'ule enjoys a perennial 
ascendency, with rare exceptions, from the highest to the lowest 
functionaries. Walk in the streets at night, and you will find half 
the watch asleep, their lanterns, which they always carry, burning 
away beside them. And they are perfectly justifiable. When some 
of them were questioned lately on their i-emissness in their duties 
by an American editor of the city, they replied that they never re- 
ceived their pay proper, and rarely, indeed, paltry fractions of it; 



190 EL PUCIIERO, OR 

not enough to keep their wives and children from starving, begging, 
or stealing. It is actually to their interest to wink at crime, for 
while they receive no compensation for doing their duty, they are 
certain of punishment, perhaps assassination, if they venture to 
take an active part against the ladrones. The most respectable 
citizens are influenced by the same feelings. An individual would 
avert his face from robbery or murder rather than give information, 
for the following reasons, which I give literally, as has been stated 
to me. A disinterested person sees an assassin, or assassins, fall 
upon a wayfarer, murder, and rob him. He gives information, 
when the accused parties, if caught, are committed for trial. This 
comes on, the informant is dragged before court after court, bad- 
gered byHhe lawyers, frowned at by scowling faces, friends of the 
accused, and when he has given evidence and truth to the best of 
his ability, some flaw in the indictment, or negligence, or bribery, 
saves from the garote the accused, who, perhaps, after a trifling im- 
prisonment, are turned loose again upon society to pursue their evil 
courses. The informant is prohahli/ the first victitn. 

By a singular perversion of law, it is almost impossible for a 
landlord to eject a bad tenant from his premises, provided the tenant 
have a quantum of influence. One case has come to my knowledge, 
where a judge of the Supreme Court occupies a fine house for which 
he has paid no rent for years, yet he holds possession in spite of 
the owner. In another case a landed proprietor let his hacienda, 
which, under an administrador, or overseer, brought him an annual 
income of fourteen thousand dollars. The tenant now in possession 
has influence enough to keep it without paying rent, nor can the 
owner eject him without ruinous costs. 

Other illustrations of misrule may be taken from the conduct of 
the army. A regiment of cavalry on the march, may quarter on an 
estate, supply themselves with provender for man and horse, press 
the owner's mules and horses, according to their necessities, paying 
sometimes nothing, or at best government bonds, which are but little 
better. 

I have spoken of the espionage, under which society is ever 
trembling. I give a special instance. Two American officers are 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 191 

quartered in the house of a respectable family. Their gentlemanly 
demeanour recommended them to the residents, who extended to 
them considerable civility, inviting their Adsits, &c. The officers 
were much gratified, and took occasion to introduce some of their 
friends to the family. This was spoken of among some Mexicans, 
when one of their officers present, inquired particularly what family 
was thus intimate with Americans. When told, he made a record 
of the fact in his memorandum-book, intimating that he would one 
day bring vengeance on the household. And this probably was 
some coward knave, who, unable to protect, was just brave enough 
to persecute his peaceful fellow-citizens. 

Many good, nay, the best citizens, desire annexation, or con- 
nexion with our government, on any terms. They declare they see 
no prospect, near or remote, of peace, law, and order, under their 
own rulers. The instances I have given in this letter of bad laws, 
and the worse administration of them, are precisely as I have them 
from the most reliable sources among this unhappy people. 



LETTER XLIV. 

Marching Orders — A Diligence attacked — Man killed — Garrisons on the 
Way — Old Obstructions — Pyramid of Cholula — The March — Specie Trains 
for the Coast; Merchandise for the Interior — Jalapa — The Starry Moun- 
tain — Graves at the National Bridge — The Mud-hole flourishing — Vera 
Cruz — Alvarado — A Child's Funeral — A new War. 

Alvarado, Mexico, May, 1848. 
My fair prospects of a thorough acquaintance with " Life in 
Mexico," were suddenly demolished, like an airy castle, by an 
urgent order for the JMarine battalion to escort a specie train to the 
port of Vera Cruz. I was not allowed time even to leave a farewell 
card with the various families who had offered me friendly atten- 
tions for the time I enjoyed their acquaintance ; for there were few 



192 EL PUCHERO, OR 

Americans, as a Spaniard said to me, so well relacionado in the city 
as myself. Although the circumstances were most unfavourable, I 
had cultivated society with some success ; and was called away just 
at the time when my acquaintance '' behind the scenes" was be- 
coming most agreeable and familiar. To go to the coast was, with 
us, very different from going home, as we were only to assume new 
relations ; and unwelcome whisperings hinted at a tour of duty on a 
projected survey, in a tropical region, under a summer's sun, 
between the two great oceans. On the 28th of April, we received 
our orders ; on the night of the 29 th we were, in camp and quarters, 
at the village of Ayotla, seven leagues from the renowned city. 
We came over a fine natural road, flanked by ditches, through an 
open, arid, desert country, formerly the bed of a lake, now perfectly 
dry, except for occasional saline marshes. We passed quietly by 
the great Penon del 3Iarqiies, out of respect to which we had made 
so circuitous a route to the capital. At Ayotla, when the diligence 
came in, I was called on to dress the wounds of a passenger, inflicted 
by robbers. An American rifleman (whose body we found the next 
day) had been killed by his side. The diligence is attacked every 
day, whether in time of peace or war. Numerous wayside crosses 
indicate to the traveller where foul murder has left its victims; 
speaking with silent eloquence of the depravity and weakness, the 
sorrow and shame of Mexico. At Bio Frio we found a garrison of 
Ohio volunteers. We met a party of them on the road, in search of 
the robbers of the day before. Strange to say, we met a gang of 
the latter tribe, escorting a merchant with his train to Mexico : they 
are more reliable when under pay, than Mexican regulars. Through 
all the mountain passes, we found heavy pines cut down, and turned 
from the road, though they had lain on it. They were cut after 
the army passed up, to prevent retreat; after our defeat near the 
city, when the scattered remains were to be hastening back pell-mell 
to the coast, they were to be annihilated, as arrested by these ob- 
structions. The intention was good, no doubt, not to leave "one 
man to tell the story." As we approached Puebla, we found the 
wheat harvest half accomplished. The crops appeared very abundant. 
About ten miles beyond the city, the great pyramid of Cholula, a re- 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 193 

markable monument of the Toltecs, is distinctly seen. It was mea- 
sured by Humboldt, who says " it has a much larger base than any 
edifice of the kind in the old continent, its horizontal breadth being 
not less than 1440 feet; but its present height is only fifty-nine 
yards, while the platform on its summit has a surface of 45,210 
feet." It is built of sun-dried bricks, alternating with clay. A 
small chapel now surmounts its summit. 

We passed one night in quarters in the clean and beautiful Puebla, 
and there, I may remark, was the only place where any attempt 
was made to do me wanton personal injury. Walking with two 
ofiicers atjross a bridge, a large stone passed by our heads, thrown 
with such force as to be crushed against the parapet. We looked 
in vain for the assailant. We encamped for the two successive 
nights at Pinal and Ojo del Agua, passing through Nopaluca, a 
small village, garrisoned by Indiana volunteers. The next night found 
us in quarters in the gloomy town of Perote. I paid another visit 
to the great castle of San Carlos, which, though among the strongest 
on the continent, fell without striking a blow. We had close at 
hand again, the famous Co/re, likened by Humboldt to an ancient 
sarcophagus, surmounted by a pyramid. 

Before reaching the pass of La Hoya, we were warned to expect 
a brush for our specie train ; that a body of guerrilleros, stronger by 
half than our battalion, was lying in wait for us. This seemed pro- 
bable enough — we had two and a half millions of specie, under a 
very small escort. It was hurried off from the city, as many other 
similar trains had been, to avoid the heavy export duty under the 
Mexican laws. We prepared for an encounter, but met, at the 

pass, some troops of the 6th and 8th Infantry, under Captain S , 

of the latter, returning from the execution of similar duty to our 
own. Whether we had been deceived, or the guerrilleros thought 
the two parties too strong for them, I cannot say — certain it is, we 
passed without obstruction. 

We met almost uninterrupted merchant trains passing up to the 
city, laden with merchandise ; pack-mules by thousands, and great 
lumbering wagons, drawn in some cases by nine pairs of mules. 

17 



194 EL PUCIIERO, OR 

These great supplies are also intended to evade the duties, levied on 
goods going inward. 

We rested one day near the most picturesque town of Jalapa, 
which I visited twice. Around it, are many tasty country-seats, 
such as you see on Long Island ; the town is a great place of resort 
for wealthy merchants from Vera Cruz, who repair to it during the 
season of vomito. It is garrisoned by volunteers from Maryland 
and District of Columbia ; at present, large general hospitals are 
established here for the army, in anticipation of a general evacua- 
tion of the country. The peak of Orizaba looms up from this point 
of view, like a great silvery liberty cap suspended in the air. It 
was well termed among the aboriginal inhabitants Citlaltepetl, or 
the starry mountain. It took this name from the luminous exhala- 
tions that formerly played over its snow-crowned summit. In times 
of peace the inhabitants of Jalapa are distinguished for politeness 
and sociability. 

Our next night was passed at the base of Cerro Gordo, on the 
Plan del Rio, where Pierce's brigade was detained all of one day, 
going inward, to make a road down the steep bank of the river, be- 
cause the Mexicans had, by great exertion and some loss of life, de- 
stroyed a noble bridge to arrest American progress. At the National 
Bridge we found a garrison of Tennesseeans. The influence of the 
tierras calientes began to creep over us — the place was very sickly, 
and numerous low sand mounds, in each of which reposed half a 
score of silent tenants, whispered to us a mournful story. Another 
night found us at San Juan, the mud-hole of the inward march. 
We found there also a garrison of Tennesseeans, and shops with re- 
freshments ; the place that we once found so solitary and dismal, 
looked now almost like a thriving Yankee village. An early march 
the following morning brought us to our old camp at Vergara, 
on the sea-beach. Vera Cruz looked as lively as ever, and much 
cleaner. We spent a few days on the beach, and then steamed it to 
this place, the hottest and dullest in Mexico. The first thing I saw 
was the funeral of a child ; — it was laid on a board, dressed in its 
best clothes and enveloped in flowers. A man was carrying it on 
his head with the same nonchalance as if it were a plaster cast ; no 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 195 

train of mourners followed ; but, after some time, I observed an af- 
flicted-looking family slowly proceeding towards the cemetery. 

Our battalion, brought bere under command of Major D , is 

associated with a larger one of the same corps under Major H . 

Time is to develope our destination ; meantime we are to swelter 
here until otherwise disposed of. We are already plunged in war 
with mosquitoes and sand-flies, and expect soon to be attacked by 
their ally the vomito. That has not yet visited Alvarado, however, 
for this season, and the inhabitants declare the place is very healthy. 



LETTER XLV. 



Complimentary Style of Mexican Epistles — Works on Mexico — Extracts — 
Variety of Products of Mexico — Manufactures — The Banana and Manioc 
(Tapioca) — Finale. 

B. S. M. 

Sti Casa de Usted, May, 1849. 
3Iui Senor 3fio, 

I send you my last with a genuine Mexican heading, avoiding a 
blunder I once made with a gentleman of the city, by addressing 
him as Sehor, Sir, which, it seems, is only admissible in an address 
to the king, or the King of kings. The B. S. M. informs you that 
I kiss your hands ; the su casa de usted, that my house is yours. 
Our plain English admits of some romancing of the same kind in 
signing one's self your ohedient Immhle servant, from which it will 
not be inferred that the writer means to be considered literally what 
he styles himself. I have hastily rewritten for you my old letters, 
such as they are, with their original defects, little corrected. No 
im-porta, what cannot be learned from them, may be from the works 
of Baron Humboldt, Mr. Prescott, and Madame Calderon de la 
Barca, who have covered the whole ground of Mexican geography. 



196 EL PUCIIERO, OR 

and natural science, history, and society, as it exists, or did exist, 
a few years ago. Besides these, the highly interesting books of Mr. 
Waddy Thompson, Mr. Brantz Mayer, and other American and 
English travellers, would have left me little to say but for the 
changes resulting fi-om invasion. The humble Puchero is offered to 
the world with perhaps a few new ingredients, or at all events, with 
some old ones served in a new style. Those who relish the fare 
may partake of it; those who do not, may readily find some- 
thing better. A few rashers served up in extracts, will complete 
my poor dish, which you are kind enough to say is not altogether 
without a relish of its own. The extracts agree with my own ob- 
servations, or are particularly worthy of note, from the information 
they convey. 

Subjoined, finally, is a list of all officers, now or then in the ser- 
vice, who were engaged in the battles of the valley, with a special 
note attached to the names of the killed and wounded. The brevets 
conferred on all officers engaged therein are also added. The list 
is quite authentic, being taken from that prepared by General 
Scott's order in the city of Mexico, shortly after the battles. 

To give some idea of the general capacity and products of Mexico, 
I draw from the deep fountain of the immortal German traveller, 
the Baron de Humboldt. After speaking of the well-known divi- 
sions of the country, according to elevation, the Tierras Calientes, 
of a mean annual temperature of 78° F. ; the Tierras Templadas, 
of a mean annual temperature of 68° F. ; and of the Tierras Frias, 
averaging below 62° F., all in the same latitude, he says, "The 
physical condition of that kingdom (the present republic) confers 
inestimable advantages upon it in a commercial point of view. 
Under careful cultivation, it is capable of producing all that com- 
merce brings together from every part of the globe ; sugar, cochi- 
neal, cacao, cotton, cofi"ee, wheat, hemp, flax, silk, oil, and/ wine. 
It furnishes every metal, not even excepting mercury, and is sup- 
plied with the finest timber ; but the coasts oppose obstacles," &c. 

" The western part (of the State of Vera Cruz) forms the decli- 
vity of the Cordilleras of Anahuac, from whence, amid the regions 
of perpetual snow, the inhabitants descend in a day to the burning 



A MIXED DISH FROM MEXICO. 197 

plains of the coast. In this district are displayed in a remarkable 
manner the gradations of vegetation, from the level of the sea to 
those elevated summits which are visited with perennial frost. In 
ascending, the traveller sees the physiognomy of the country, the 
aspect of the sky, the form of the plants, the figures of animals, 
the manners of the inhabitants, and the kind of cviltivation fol- 
lowed by them, assuming a different appearance at every step. 
Leaving the lower districts, covered with a beautiful and luxuriant 
vegetation, he first enters that into which the oak appears, where 
he has no longer cause to dread the yellow fever, so fatal on the 
coasts. Forests of liquidambar, near Jalapa, announce by their 
freshness, the elevation at which the strata of clouds, suspended 
over the ocean, come in contact with the basaltic summits of the 
Cordilleras. A little higher the banana ceases to yield fruit. At 
the height of San Miguel, pines begin to mingle with the oaks, 
which continue as far as the plains of Perote, where the cereal 
vegetation of Europe is seen. Beyond this, the former alone cover 
the rocks, the tops of which enter the region of perpetual frigidity." 

Under the head of agriculture, this author says : " The banana, 
manioc, maize, wheat, and potatoes, constitute the principal food of 
the people. The maguey, or agave, may be considered the Indian 
vine. Sugar, cotton, vanilla, cocoa, wax, and cochineal, are plenti- 
fully produced." 

Under the head of manufactories, " Cotton and woollen cloths, 
cigars, soda, soap, gunpowder, and leather, are the principal articles 
manufactured." Since that day, paper-mills, breweries, &e., have 
been established by foreign enterprise. 

He says of the banana, that it is to the inhabitants of the torrid 
zone, what the cereal grasses, wheat, barley, and rye, are to Western 
Asia and Europe ; and that probably there is no other plant on the 
globe capable of producing so much nutriment on as small a space 
of ground. He estimates the produce of the banana to that of 
wheat as 133 to 1, and to that of potatoes as 44 to 1. "It is cal- 
culated that the same extent of ground in Mexico on which the 
banana is raised, is capable of maintaining fifty individuals, whereas 

17* 



198 EL PUCHERO. 

in Europe, under wheat, it would not furnish subsistence for two." 
(Humboldt's Travels, &c., by M'Gillavray.) 

The manioc, or fecula of the Jatropha, is converted into a 
bread known as Pan de tierra caliente. It is very nutritious ; and 
although the original product of the bitter Jatropha contains a 
highly poisonous juice (prussic, or hydrocyanic acid), the latter is 
evaporated in drying, which leaves the cassava, or flour, sweet and 
wholesome. 

With the other vegetable products you are perfectly familiar ; I 
will not therefore dwell on them. 

My task is ended. I bid a long adieu to Mexico. Although I 
have suffered many hardships on her soil, I have nothing to look 
back to with any feelings of disaffection. In my intercourse with 
the people I have experienced a great deal of kindness, and I have 
found among them, wherever it could be properly expected, much 
refinement and intelligence. They have their faults, " as which of 
us has not V yet I must add, that their vices are best known to me 
by hearsay. 

Our days at Alvarado, 'though evil, were few;" and we soon had 
the happiness to relinquish the fandangos and fevers that were 
spreading among us, of that pestilential region, for our own favoured 
land, to enjoy for a season its peace and prosperity, amid the smiles 
and endearments of happy homes. 



APPENDIX. 



APPENDIX. 



THE SIEGE OF VEKA CRUZ. 

The battles fought by our gallant army under General Scott in 
Mexico, from the capture of Vera Cruz and the strong castle which 
defended it, to the capture of the capital city, present almost every 
variety of military conflict. The campaign began by a successful 
descent upon an exposed coast, by an army of all arms, in boats, 
followed by the regular investment of a fortified city, protected by 
one of the strongest military fortresses in the world, both of which 
were taken chiefly through the agency of the heavy artillery, and 
skilful bombardment from the batteries on shore, and the ships at 
the anchorage. Cerro Gordo followed, where the scene of action 
was among the mountains, ravines, and gorges of that strong pass ; 
and the leading characteristic of that well-stricken field, was the 
bold and successful storm of an almost inaccessible height, crowned 
with cannon and bristling with musketry. Contreras was fought 
and won, without cavalry or artillery ; but, before the capital city 
was entered, cavalry, artillery, and infantry, all had their appro- 
priate work to do, and all did it manfully and successfully. Whether 
breasting the northers on the sea-coast, scaling the hills at Cerro 
Gordo, wading through the swamps around the lake, or fighting 
inch by inch, along the exposed causeway, there seemed to be the 
same unconquerable spirit in the hearts of these gallant soldiers, 
and the same military genius and experience to direct them in their 
arduous duties. 



202 APPENDIX. 

But we question if the veteran officer whose high merit it is to 
have directed every battle of tliis memorable campaign, gave in any 
one of these battles higher proof of skill and true military merit, 
than in the first blow, struck at Vera Cruz. It is a vulgar saying, 
that "the first blow is half the battle." There is some truth in the 
saying, applicable as well to the great, complex, important move- 
ments of large masses of men, involving the multifarious considera- 
tions of feeding and clothing, arming and protecting, as well as 
fighting them, as it is to a fisticuff figjit on a court-green. If you 
don't give the first blow, and plant it well, you may receive it your- 
self; if you don't stun your adversary, and daunt him by the vigour 
of your onset, you may never retrieve your ill-fortune. It was es- 
pecially and imperatively necessary at Vera Cruz. 

" The fortress of San Juan de UUoa," says Waddy Thompson, 
Esq., in his clever recollections of Mexico, ''has always been looked 
upon as one of the strongest in the world. With a proper armament 
and competent engineers, I should regard it as almost impregnable, 
if indeed that term can now with truth be applied to any place, after 
the recent inventions and improvements in this department of mili- 
tary science. When it was blown up in 1839, by the French, the 
armament was in a most wretched condition; and as to scientific 
engineers and artillerists, there were none. Even then it would not 
have been so much of a holiday affair, had it not been for the acci- 
dental explosion of the magazine. Any future assailant must not 
expect so easy a victory, if it is tolerably defended." 

Mr. Thompson may have added that, according to all accounts 
which we had when the whole country "held its breath for a time," 
awaiting the result of Scott's attack, this very defect in the arrange- 
ments of the fort, which was said to have caused the accident, was 
provided against by magazines absolutely fire-proof, by which the 
ammunition of the fortress was secured in dry reservoirs, perfectly 
covered over; and, besides, that water-batteries had been constructed, 
stretching around upon the shoals, so as to command every approach, 
and all other needful additions to the defences, as well as a thorough 
repair, had been made ; so that it was termed the " Gibraltar of 
America." It was the great defence of their seaport, — a fortified 



THE SIEGE OF VEKA CRUZ. 203 

gate, commanding the entrance to the country and the great national 
road, leading to the capital city. It was the armed sentinel, guard- 
ing the only important place of assault upon the coast of Mexico. 
Besides this, the Mexicans well knew, and calculated upon what Mr. 
Thompson calls a more effectual protection than all these fortifica- 
tions, — ''the northers and the vo.nito," — the first a tremendous 
north ivind, which blows like a tornado, without warning or regu- 
larity, driving before it the loose and shifting soil of the coast, 

"Like clouds of sand, 
That far in Afric's desert land, 
Obey the Siroc's force," 

rendering the anchorage of the open bay or roadstead of Vera Cruz 
(for it cannot be called a harbour) unsafe to every vessel, from a 
canoe to a ship of war ; — the second, the i/elloiv fever, having its 
home in Vera Cruz, more to be dreaded in the warm months than 
the missile ''that flieth by day," for it is the dreaded pestilence that 
"walketh in darkness," as well as "the destruction that wasteth at 
noonday." Against both of these General Scott had to guard. His 
knowledge that the northers prevailed most in the winter and early 
spring, made it imperative upon him to encounter these, that he 
might complete his undertaking against the city and castle, and 
march into the interior, before the period for the yellow fever. This 
necessity alone added greatly to his labours, and perilled his enter- 
prise. Not being appointed to the command of the expedition — (in 
fact, the same not having been decided on by the government) — 
before November, 1846, he was forced to hurry his preparations, 
withdraw troops from Generiil Taylor's command, pass the winter 
months on the northern coast of IMexico, in incessant labours to 
organize his invading force, and at last make the attack at least a 
month later than he had intended. 

It was on the 9th of March, that the landing of his troops was 
effected. Before twenty days, the city and the strong castle were 
garrisoned by American troops, under the flag of their country, 
which floated from the walls of Vera Cruz, and the battlements of 
the Castle. For several days and nights, the investing batteries of 



204 APPENDIX. 

cannon and mortars sent a storm of balls and bombs upon the de- 
voted city, and its massy, protecting Castle ; even at times, as many 
as 180 discharges in the hour, from the shore ; while 400 cannon 
mounted on the enemy's defences, returned the fire. From the 
ships of our gallant squadron (at first, under Captain Conner, who 
was relieved by Commodore Perry early in the siege), the same ser- 
vice was manfully performed by our sailors and marines ; and yet, 
when the storm of battle ceased, and 5000 prisoners, 400 pieces of 
ordnance, 5000 stand of arms, and the fortified city, and mighty 
fortress, were taken — Greneral Scott had to report but two com- 
missioned officers killed, and not a dozen •private men. Neither was 
the strife carried on, with heavy guns and mortars alone ; for clouds 
of skirmishers hovered around the city on the sand-hills and in the 
dense chaparral. Along the lines of investment, extending for five 
or six miles, the enemy had to be driven off at various points by 
our gallant volunteers and cavalry; still, this great victory may be 
regarded as almost a bloodless one. Who does not remember the 
feelings of surprise as well as of joy, which spread over the land 
when the news reached the United States ? The friends of Scott, 
felt proud of their General of science. The friends of humanity 
rejoiced, that while the enemy, disregarding the summons to sur- 
render, had to lament the loss of many of his unresisting citizens, 
as well as combatants; yet, such was the skill and judgment of the 
commauder, such the harmonious co-operation of our gallant naval 
officers and tars with the land troops, that we at home, had but few 
widows and orphans to lament over the result of the Siege of Vera 
Cruz. Indeed it was almost amusing, to find some of those who 
had been in the habit so long of underrating and reviling Scott, 
actually attempting to disparage his great achievement, because he 
did not have more killed. It is a disgraceful truth, that some of our 
own citizens were at first disposed to unite in the sneers of an Eng- 
lish traveller, Greorge F. Ruxton, Esq., of Munchausen memory — a 
gentleman who passed through Mexico the summer previous ; whose 
hunting feats, when he was alone, sometimes in deep snows, and 
sometimes in the fiery prairies — especially when shooting a wolf by 
holding a rifle across his knees, charged with his hickory ramrod — 



THE SIEGE OF VERA CRUZ. 205 

which ignited as it flew into the wolf, who darted into the prairie 
with it sticking in him like a fiery comet; and many other marvels 
of the like kind, render his severe criticism upon Scott less formidable 
than they might be from a more veracious, but less amusing voya- 
geur. We quote from Mr. Ruxton's book his opinion of the Siege 
of Vera Cruz : 

" Since my visit, it has also felt the force of American ire — and 
withstood a bombardment for several days, with what obje^ it is 
impossible to divine, since a couple of thousand men might have at 
any time taken it by assault. The Castle teas not attacked, and was 
concluded in the capitulation tcithout heing ashed for — Cosa de 
Mexico. The town was attacked by the American troops under 
Greneral Scott within ten months after my visit. It sufibred a bom- 
bardment, as is well known, of several days, an unnecessary act of 
cruelty in my opinion, since to my Jcnowledge there were no de- 
fences round the city which could not have been carried, including 
the city itself, by a couple of battalions of Missouri volunteers. I 
certainly left Vera Cruz under the impression that it was not a for- 
tified place, with exception of the paltry wall I have mentioned, 
which, if my memory serves me, was not even loopholed for mus- 
ketry. However, temporary defences may have been thrown up in 
the interval between my visit and the American attack ; still, I can- 
not but think that the bombardment was cruel and unnecessary. 
The Castle could have been carried by a. frigate's hoarders, having 
but seven hundred naked Indians to defend it." 

In endeavouring to mitigate the severity of this military gentle- 
man of the ramrod (as famous for his horse Panchito, as the re- 
nowned Sancho for his Dapple), we find that he lays it down as a 
clear proposition, page 176, " The American never can he made a 
soldier." Knowing this, he should have been less severe upon us ; 
for if we had no soldiers, even the seven hundred naked Indians 
might have held San Juan against us ; and how wei'e we to get 
these very Missouri battalions from California in time ? They were 
the very men, by the way, under Colonel Doniphan, that the un- 
sparing Mr. Ruxton was speaking of, when he pronounces the ora- 
cular military maxim above named, (though in the previous sen- 

18 



20G APPENDIX. 

tenco he admits that thtj defeated '■'■ four times their number of 
Mexicans at the Sacramento.'') But while the opinions of Mr. 
Ruxton defeat themselves by their very inconsistencies and mani- 
fest absurdities on their face, yet something like this charge of 
inhumanity on the part of Scott has come from more respectable 
authority. We allege that it is uthrhj unicar ranted. If there be 
one trait in the character of General Scott, proven and palpable, it 
is his hunidniti/ — his willingness always to spare the effusion of 
blood — his love of, and efforts for, peace ^ though a man of tear 
frotn his youth. The adjustment of the border troubles on the 
Canada frontier ; his dignified prudence in South Carolina ; his 
humane and wise treaties with the northwestern Indians, after the 
Black Hawk war; — all carry with them the negation of such an 
imputation. But let us look to ike facts of the Vera Cruz siege, 
to disprove the charge. 

General Scott's troops landed on the 9th of March ; no bombard- 
ment was commenced until the 22d, in the afternoon, as appears 
from the Report of Colonel Bankhead, the chief of the artillery. 
As early as the loth, General Scott, in answer to a note from the 
Spanish consul, sent safegwirds for all the foreign consuls, their 
families, &c. Late on the 2-4th, two days after the bombardment 
began, these consuls requested of Scott to suspend hostilities, to per- 
mit the women and children to leave Vera Cruz. Scott, in his 
answer, refers them to the fact, that before he fired a gun, he made 
an appeal, by a formal and respectful summons to the Governor of 
the city, telling him that he had invested the city, and anxious to 
spare their beautiful town, its defenders, and its peaceful inhabi- 
tants, toomen ajtd children inclusive, he proposes a surrender; nay 
more, he went so far as to pledge himself, if the GoA'^ernor would 
sux'render the city, that no yun should, he fired, from the city, its 
bastions or toalls on the Castle, so as to draw its fire upon Vera Cruz, 
unless the Castle fired first. The Governor chooses to defy Scott, 
takes no notice of this last humane and generous proposition, and 
tells him to commence his operations in any way he thinks best. 
General 8cott further tells the consuls, in his answer to them of the 
25th, that he had purposely, np to the 23^, to allow the escape of 



THE SIEGE OF VERA CRUZ. 207 

the neutrals, (in wliich term he manifestly includes the women and 
children,) left open the communication between the city and the 
neutral ships lying off Sacrificios; that having done all he could to 
spare these defenceless persons, he is still willing to spare them, (/' 
ilie Governor is u-iUuiy to surrender. 

War has its evils, and among the most lamentable is the suffering 
of the innocent and helpless, who arc oftentimes involved in the 
fate of their sterner protectors ; at the same time, war is no child's 
play, and has its duties too; and when the assailant has done what 
humanity dictates, and he proposes to the besieged to spare these 
victims of war by a timely surrender, or on fair tei'ms, of arrange- 
ment for their safety, the responsibility is shifted to the beleaguered 
party. What more could General Scott do 't Was he to relinquish 
the enterprise, because bombshells would burst and cannon-balls 
demolish ? Whose fault was it that those stern, iron visiters fell 
upon the hearth-stones, and shattered the household gods ? Not 
General Scott's, we say again. The Governor could have averted it 
by a surrender : he could have yielded to Scott's humane proposi- 
tion to give up the city alone, and make it safe from the cannon ; 
he could have done this, at any hour from the evening of the 22d 
of March, when the first gun was fii"cd, up to the 26th, when he 
did do it at last. We blame him not, — he may have done his duty 
to his country, — but neither should our General be blamed for wan- 
ton or useless bloodshedding. 

We shall be brief in our details of this memorable siege. The 
leading facts are known to the world. The brave men who partici- 
pated in it, as well of the navy as the army, deserve all to be known 
and named. We hear of none ivho did not do their duti/ — and let 
it be remembered, that the navy deserves more credit than it has re- 
ceived, for its services in the war of Mexico. The whole of a sailor's 
duty is not comprised in fighting his ship. Here had our gallant 
tars been, on this coast, for mouths before, taking the towns, — 
watching the ports — cutting off the commerce of the enemy — no 
safe harbour to run into, under the storm of the sudden and violent 
north winds — and during the siege they did their full share of the 
land duty. 



208 APPENDIX. 

It is said to have been one of the most exciting spectacles ever 
witnessed, — the landing of our army, in the surf-boats. 

The white-washed houses and tall steeples of Vera Cruz — shining 
in the sun — the frowning fortress of San Juan de Ulloa — the 
graceful ships in the offing — sixty-seven large boats, each com- 
manded by a naval officer, and rowed by seamen, filled with soldiers, 
first Gen. Worth's brigade of regulars, — then the volunteers under 
Gen. Patterson, — then Twiggs' reserve of regulars — were succes- 
sively landed upon the shore — below the city, as quietly and as 
safely, as if they had been ferried over a river at home. 

Four gun-boats from our squadron had at daybreak left Antonio 
Lizardo under Lieuts. Sterret, Benham, Biddle, and Shaw, and an- 
choring within a pistol-shot of the shore, fired upon some videttes 
of cavalry, or squadrons of lancers, who took the hint and retired — 
and by the way, these same valuable little vessels, with the addition 
of the Spitfire under Tatnall, the Vixen, under Sands, with another 
schooner, the Falcon, on the 24th, run almost within a mile of the 
city, and fired away most daringly, until Commodore Perry actu- 
ally had to recall them from a position most hazardous, if the 
enemy had not been too busy, or too awkward to sink them. Tat- 
nall and his coadjutors, however, did yeomen's service with this part 
of the fleet. — The experienced Col. Bankhead was the chief of artil- 
lery, and he makes four reports during the siege, to head-quarters, 
in one of which he speaks of the lamented death of Capt. Vinton, 
commanding battery No. 3. And eleven days before, during the 
investment, a gallant officer, yoimg in years but old in service. 
Captain William Alhurtis of Virginia, who had been brevetted for 
his gallantry in the Florida war, was killed by a distant shot from 
the city or Castle, which at the same time killed a private and 
wounded two others. Vinton and Alburtis were the only two com- 
missioned officers killed. The writer may be pardoned for a pause 
of sad regret at this untimely catastrophe. That fatal ball, how- 
ever, only deprived him of a valued friend; while an aged mother, 
his young widow, and an only son, felt the heavier bereavement of a 
dutiful son, an afiectionate husband, and devoted father. Strange 
to say, he had a presentiment, a distinct premonition of the event — 



THK SIEGE OF VERA CRUZ. 209 

his la.st letters, written upon lauding, contained his will, with minute 
directions as to the education of his child. Peace to his ashes ! He 
died as a soldier wishes to die, in the ranks of his country, in the 
discharge of his duty — his sword in his hand and his face to the foe ! 

The investment of Vera Cruz was no pai'ade duty. It was arduous 
and perilous. The infantry, under Patterson and Twiggs — General 
Pillow commanding the volunteers from Pennsylvania and Tennes- 
see — drove the enemy through the dense thickets of chaparral. 
General Quitman, who commanded the men of the South, the gallant 
South Carolina regiment, (called the Palmetto,) the Georgia, and 
companies of the Alabama regiment, cleared the outskirts of the city 
of skirmishers and lancers. Shields, with the New Yorkers, aided 
in the preliminary duty ; while the bold Colonel Harney and the 
gallant Sumner, with their dragoons of the second regiment of that 
arm, assisted by the brave Colonel Campbell of the first Tennessee 
volunteei's, routed the enemy at the fortified post of Puente del 
Morena, and drove them six or eight miles from the scene of action. 
The engineers under Totten, with such aids as Colonel Smith, Cap- 
tain R. E. Lee, Saunders, and the gallant subalterns of this valuable 
corps, had their day of loork at this time. Batteries were to be 
placed, trenches were to be dug, the science of the West Point 
alumnus was now to be tested, in actual service, under fire. The 
artillerists, under Bankhead, such men as Brooks and Vinton and 
M'Kenzie and Anderson, were to show their skill and prowess, and 
stand to their cannon, day and night. The ordnance officer, Huger, 
was to give his time and care and provident attention to the supply 
of these instruments of death and destruction. All were at work 
faithfully, constantly, unremittingly, and cheerfully. -^ 

On the evening of the 22d, the hurricane of iron missiles began 
its ravages upon the devoted town ; northers blew the clouds of 
sand into the faces of the besiegers, and over their works, filling up 
the trenches ; water and food had to be carried sometimes five miles ; 
the soldier lived in the trenches, and if he slept, slumbered to the 
sowtid of cannon and the burst of the bomb-shell; half a million of 
pounds weight of iron balls and shells were from the 22d to the 
26th of March, hurled through the troubled air, besides those fired 

18* 



210 APPENDIX. 

from the city and Castle. The houses are shattered, the churches 
are on fii*e ; the devoted city, like the " cities of the plain/' is under 
a shower of destruction. The Governor, Landero, yielding at last to 
the calls of humanity, proposes a capitulation, and after a brief ne- 
gotiation as to the terms, articles of capitulation and surrender are 
signed by the commissioners of our army and navy. Generals Worth 
and Pillow, and Colonel Totten and Captain Aulick, on behalf of 
the navy, and Colonels Villaneuva, Roblis, and Herrera, on the 
part of Mexico. The Castle and city are surrendered, with all forts, 
armaments, and munitions of war — the garrison as prisoners of war. 
The officers and soldiers are discharged on parole, (and the wisdom 
of the step was proved by the fact, that they were not found at 
Cerro Gordo, a month afterwards,) the flag of the United States was 
raised over the city and the far-famed fortress of San Juan de 
Ulloa, on the 29th of March. 

Thus was this great work done. Let the reader of military annals 
furnish a parallel, if he can, to this exploit; let him point out in the 
wars of the Peninsula, or Napoleon's campaigns, where he can find 
such a work performed in twenty days from the deck of the trans- 
port, to the planting of our flag on the highest battlement of the 
water-girt fortress. 

The reflections which naturally suggest themselves to the mind 
on reading the accounts of this siege, are in part already referred to. 
Another is, that the capture was effected strictly according to plans 
carefully made and written out by General Scott, before he left the 
seat of government for the seat of war. 

The ancients regarded the favour of the goddess ''Fortune" as the 
highest recommendation of a leader in war. General Scott, it is 
very manifest, is rather disposed always to trust to his own judg- 
ment and foresight than to the smiles of the fickle goddess. 

He said to the Secretary of War, on the 27th of October, 1846, 
"To take the Castle of San Juan d'Ulloa, would no doubt be a 
virtual and prompt capture of the city lying under its guns. The 
reverse of the proposition would probably not be equally certain — I 
mean in any short time. The Castle, after the loss of the city, 
might still hold out for many weeks, perhaps months, until com- 



THE SIEGE OF VERA CRUZ. 211 

pelled to surrender from the want of subsistence and water, unless 
earlier reduced by laud and water batteries, escalade, &c." 

"It is believed that the Castle, with a proper garrison, cannot be 
taken with water batteries alone, or by the latter and an escalade, 
without a very heavy and disproportionate loss of life on the part of 
the assailants, besides a loss of time, which by running into the 
season of the vomito, might quadruple the waste of life, and cause 
the invading army to lose a campaign. 

"For these reasons, it seems decidedly preferable to capture the 
city first, and by its means (shelter and guns), to attack the Castle 
by land and water, including joint escalades, unless it should be 
found probable that the want of food and drinking water would lead 
to an early surrender." 

He goes on to point out even the very place proper to land our 
troops, to suggest the plan of surf-boats, to propose additional bomb- 
ketches ; and on the 12th of November he again proposes to take 
the Castle through the capture of the city, and suggests that he 
shall have an ample force to press the war into the interior — 1, be- 
cause it would shorten the war, and thus economize life; 2, because 
a little ivar is a greater evil than a biff tear. He looks at the under- 
taking in every point of view, and under every probable result; and 
in this instance, as in almost every other during the war, his sagacity 
and military foresight, to the mere civilian, seem wonderful. The 
ablest generals have had their reverses, and have made mistakes. 
The art of war has been compared to the game of chess. Where 
will you find the most skilful commander who has never made 
a false move, and has never been checkmated, especially when 
he must play out the game with the lack of iniany of his pieces ? 
And yet, when we contemplate the history of Scott's campaign, 
from March to September, 1847, in Mexico, where do we find any 
one serious reverse to his arms ? On the 20th of August, the 
memorable day of Contreras and Churubusco, he fought in one day 
five hattles. He was gallantly supported by his brave ofiicers and 
indomitable soldiers ; still, his was the hand that made the moves- 
upon the military chess-board; his was the eye that overlooked and 
planned the game ; his the commanding and lofty bearing through 



212 APPENDIX. 

the various conflicts, that inspired the poorest soldier with the spirit 
of a hero, and gave him assiu'ance of success. 

He fought jet again, and again ; still victory perched upon his 
banner. He flung out the stars and stripes from the national pa- 
lace of the capital, and as they waved over the conquered land, they 
shone bright and untarnished by a single defeat. Cortez, hundreds 
of years before, was forced to lament over the "night of despair" 
that followed his defeat upon the causeway — Scott's gallant baud 
crossed it at the pas de charge, and greeted, with loud cheers, on 
the plaza of the capital, a leader who seemed to carry in his right 
hand the prestige of victory. 



CERRO GORDO. 



About ten miles from the National Bridge, the road from Vera 
Cruz to the capital reaches a small hamlet, on a comparatively level 
piece of ground, in a basin surrounded with mountains : this place is 
one of the Mexican ventas, or stopping-places for the traveller, 
situated on the north side of the small river called Rio del Plan, 
giving name to this Mexican caravanserai, which is called Plan del 
E,io. The National Road here crosses two branches of the river 
Chacalacas, which unite a short distance below the venta or inn ; 
and on this spot the American camp was pitched, about the middle 
of April, 1847. 

At this place the tierras calientes, or tropical country, may be 
said to end ; here begins the slope of the tierras templadas, the tem- 
perate regions, extending up to the region of the pine forests, oppo- 
site the lofty Coffer, or volcanic peak of Perote. 

From Plan del Rio, going to the capital, the road winds towards 
the north, in a long circuit, through and along lofty ridges, forming 
one boundary of this defile, along which runs the Rio del Plan ; after 
a mile or two it inclines from the northwest to the southwest, and 
along this route, the spurs, or points of lofty ridges, spreading out like 
the fingers on a man's hand, are seen from the road; between these 
ridges, deep valleys, or gorges run down towards the river, Avhich, 
from about a mile above the site of the American camp, runs through 
a deep precipitous ravine, which continues like an impassable gulf 
along the whole range of the road eastwardly ; on the other, or south 



214 APPENDIX. 

side of the river, rises the other wall of this defile or basin, along 
which there is no regular road. 

After passing some three miles along the road, the traveller, who 
is now brought by the southern direction of it close to the river 
again, sees onliis right a towering eminence crowned with a fortress 
and military works, apparently inaccessible if defended, a spot, 
from its position, like a giant guarding the portal of this rugged de- 
file, commanding all the subordinate strongholds of the ridges and 
salient points of this naturally strong place of defence, and the key 
to the whole position; on his left, to the south, the deep impassa- 
ble ravine of the river. Tlus is Cerro Gordo. The road, winding 
close under the shadow of the lofty Cerro Gordo, in another mile 
comes to another, but less lofty hill, under which the Mexican camp 
was pitched, more than four miles, by the road, from. Plan del Rio. 

The reader, even without a plan before him, may form some idea 
of this scene of one of the most gallant battles ever fought — or to 
speak more correctly, of a series of battles, comprising all the diffe- 
rent duties of an army acting in the offensive, under every conceiva- 
ble disadvantage. The perilous reconnaissance — the night march — 
the clearing away of such obstacles as must be encountered among 
the mountain fastnesses — the driving in of outposts and skirmishers 
— the manoeuvre to be done with the precision of a parade, on a 
field day, under the plunging shot of batteries commanding their 
positions — the charge — the rush up the steep mountain-side — the 
storm — the bayonet thrust — the close conflict — ending in victory. 
For the defence of this pass, 

1. The Mexicans had thus, two or three batteries, having in all 
seventeen guns, on their extreme right nearest to Plan del Rio, pi'o- 
tected on their right by the river ravine. 

2. Farther west, on the road, where it is nearest the river, a six 
gun battery. 

3. Farther up on the great commanding hill, stood the fortress of 
Cerro Gordo, fenced round with a double line of advanced intrench- 
ments, with six guns commanding the ravines around it, the circum- 
jacent heights, and road at its foot. 



CERRO GORDO. 215 

4. On tlieii' extreme left was tlieir camp, defended by a battery 
of five cannon, and having a direct communication with the main 
work on the steep hill, which was the point d'appui of their position. 
General Scott's plan of action, afterwards so gallantly seconded and 
carried out by his brave army of less than nine thousand men, was 
worthy of the science and generalship of this great captain of the 
age. 

He had an army of more than twelve thousand men opposed to 
him in these mountain passes, who had chosen their positions — 
planted Iheir cannon on the commanding heights — ^built uji their 
advanced intrenchments, some of them being strong stone walls — 
their line occupied two miles — defended altogether by some fifty 
pieces of artillery — their bronze mouths pointing (as the Mexicans 
supposed) upon every exposed point which our little army would be 
forced to pass. The deep ravine and river — with its impracticable 
ground on the south, forbidding the possibility of turning them on 
that side ; with a dense chaparral and another ravine bounding the 
pass on the north. 

That Santa Anna regarded his position as impregnable, may be 
inferred from the proclamation found in his carriage after the defeat. 
It is manifest that he eyed the entry of Scott with his gallant little 
army into this defile, with the same grim satisfaction that Leonidas, 
at Thermopylge, regarded the detachments from the Persian hosts 
advance upon his devoted Greeks ; or as Hofer, the brave Tyrolese, 
watched from his mountain post the trained troops of the French 
emperor enter the silent gorge of the Innthall, for he says : " Mexi- 
cans, the momentous crisis has at 'length arrived to the Mexican 
Kepublic. If our country is to be defended, it will be you who 
will stop the triumphant march of the enemy who occupies Vera 
Cruz. Vera Cruz calls for vengeance — follow me, and wash out the 
stain of her dishonour ! My duty is to sacrifice myself, and I well 
know how to fulfil it ! Perhaps the American hosts may proudly 
tread the imperial capital of the Aztecs — I will never witness such 
an opprobrium, for I am decided first to die fighting. If the enemy 
advance one step more, the national independence will be buried in 
the abyss of the past." 



216 APPENDIX. 

The sententious humour of General Scott's commentary on this 
grandiloquent efiusion is very characteristic ; all that he says about 
it is in five words : — " We have taken that step." He leaves to all 
admirers and imitators of military bulletins of the ''Ercles vein" 
to fancy how Santa Anna would finish the syllogism. 

General Scott having arranged his plans, and selected his officers 
and their respective corps for the proper duties of each, with that 
sound military judgment which marks the judicious commander, 
published his memonxble orders on the 17th of April, (General 
Orders, No. III.) The second division of regulars under General 
Twiggs had already been ordered in the advance, and on that same 
17th, had already intimated to the enemy, through such gallant mes- 
sengers as Colonel Harney and Lieutenant Gardner, that the work 
was begun, and in a way that they least expected. General Twiggs, 
it must be observed, had arrived at Plan del Rio on the 11th of 
April, the gallant Harney (the American Murat), with his dra- 
goons in the advance, driving oif a body of Mexican lancers who 
occupied that place. On the 12th, Twiggs felt his way among the 
hills, reconnoitering the position, intending on the 13th to commence 
hostile operations, but Generals Pillow and Shields coming up with 
their volunteers, on the 12th, their troops fagged by the unusual 
march through the sandy road from Vera Cruz, but like gallant 
men as they were burning to take a share in the coming fight, 
begged of Twiggs to defer the attack one day ; he, appreciating the 
feelings of young generals anxious to signalize themselves, assented; 
and during the 13th, Twiggs' movement was still longer deferred 
by orders from General Patterson (whose sickness placed the volun- 
teer troops under General Twiggs' command). By these orders he 
was directed to await the arrival of the Commander-in-chief. On 
the evening of the IGth, Twiggs received his verbal orders from 
General Scott himself 3 how they were carried out, the glorious results 
of the 17th and 18th amply show, but on the 17th are dated the 
General Orders for the battle of Cerro Gordo ; and the highest com- 
pliment that could be paid to a commander-in-chief, was paid by the 
military men of France, when they received with them the pub- 
lished accounts of the battle. It was the common remark among 



CERRO GORDO. 217 

them, " That his orders before the battle were so exactly carried 
out, that tliey might have served for his despatches after the ac- 
tion." This merited praise was from men who had a right to ex- 
press their opinions — from men who had been marshalled in the 
field by Napoleon, Soult, Bugeaud, Gerard, and Lamoriciere ; men 
who had seen fighting under Napoleon's lieutentints on the snowy 
steppes of Russia, among the Alps, and the burning sands of Africa. 
The summary of General Scott's orders were, that General 
Twiggs should turn the enemy's left, to cut off his retreat to Ja-' 
lapa, while his batteries and entrenchments should be attacked in 
front ; General Scott, not choosing to run the gauntlet through the 
fire of the Mexican batteries, decided to make a detour, and throw 
this advanced corps of his army across his road to Jalapa, and to 
effect this object, to make a way through the rugged country on the 
north of the National Road. To effect this with success, the science 
and enterprise of that useful arm of the service, the engineer corps, 
was required ; those patient and fearless pioneers of our army, that 
during the whole of this gallant campaign did such signal service. 
The ofiicial reports of our generals of all grades, and in all the en- 
gagements from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico, are filled with 
acknowledgments of the incalculable value of these useful officers. 
Here, upon the fields of conflict, in arduous and actual service, did 
they bring to the aid of our cause, the accurate and valuable know- 
ledge acquired in their military alma mater. West Point. Here, 
in the silent, dark, and inclement night, when the weary hosts re- 
posed around them, in advance even of the picketed sentinel, was 
the engineer to be found making his way by the light of the dim 
lanthorn, through thickets of chaparral, wandering over the steep 
hills, groping his way among the lava fields of the Pedregal, to herald 
the path of the advancing column of infantry or squadron of 
charging cavalry, or to show to the artillerist where to place his 
guns; and, after carrying his valuable researches even up to the 
enemy's outposts, the engineer returns to his quarters, not to 
repose, or even to take time to prepare elaborate reports, but to 
head the adventurous detachment, and pilot the way to the place of 
conflict, and share in the perils of the fight. 

19 



218 APPENDIX. i 

^ 

It would be almost invidious to single out any one among that ; 
valuable corps who distinguished himself above his fellows during j 
that memorable campaign, but the Virginian may be pardoned 
if he dwells with some feeling of gratulation upon a name which] 
appeared then, not for the first time, in the annals of the old com-j 
monwealth. The service here required among the gorges of these! 
mountains, as well as at the siege of Vera Cruz, and afterwards inj 
the swamps of Chalco, and among the lava-fields of Conti-eras and! 
Churubusco, and under the batteries of the capital, was well ren- 
dered by a worthy son of the historian of the southern campaigns; 
of our Revolution, ''Light horse Harry Lee" — that gallant and! 
indefatigable partisan cavalry officer, who was as the right arm of! 
Greene and Marion. The same untiring watchfulness, and dashing! 
courage, that distinguished the sire in the Carolinas, here showed! 
itself in his son of the same metal, though in a more scientific armi 
of the service, among the hills and plains of Mexico. Lieutenant : 
Beauregard had begun the arduous duty of selecting the track and i 
preparing the road to lead over slopes and chasms, leaving thai 
National Road at its most northerly point, and thus directing thel 
course of the division commanded by General Twiggs, westwardlyj 
and to the north of the main work Cerro Gordo. This duty wasj 
carried out by Captain R. E. Lee of the engineers, until the nature] 
of the ground brought the reconnaissance within reach of the^ 
enemy's batteries, making it necessary to carry by storm (I had! 
almost said by escalade) the lofty works on Cerro Gordo. General: 
Twiggs, moving early on the 17th, with the second division of regu-; 
lars, took his position by eleven in the morning, the right of his| 
column within seven hundred yards of the enemy's main work, i 
Here the veteran Twiggs saw at once the advantage of occupying! 
the heights on his line of attack, opposite to the castle and within! 
striking distance. The rest of the 17th and the night was allotted; 
to the work. The events of the next day of strife, and the results j 
of the enterprise would depend upon his seizing and holding these; 
opposing high grounds, not only by bivouac, but by the erection j 
of a rival battery, to return the compliment of grape and cannon- i 
balls, as well as musket and rifle-bullets. It was an arduous and j 



CERRO GORDO. 219 

bold undertaking, but it was done, and effectually done. He de- 
tached Lieutenant Gardner, commanding a company of the 7th 
Infantry, to observe the enemy from the heights — he was met by a 
large force of the ^Mexicans, greatly outnumbering his party, but his 
business was to hold his position ; and he did it gallantly against 
heavy odds, until he was relieved by the artillery under Colonel 
Childs, and Sumner's mounted riflemen; these gallant officers, under 
the command of Harney (in the absence of Brevet Brigadier Gene- 
ral Smith, who was sick), came to the rescue of Lieutenant Gardner, 
with the intent to drive the enemy back to his fortress, and this 
was thoroughly done, but at the expense of a severe wound received 
by the brave Sumner, whose command devolved upon Major Lo- 
ring. Childs was in apparently greater peril than Sumner, but he 
came off unhurt; for, supposing that the work was to be completed 
at once that evening, and, judging from a continuous fire on his 
left that the game was opened, a part of his regiment advanced 
within 150 yards of the enemy's batteries, and, without heeding the 
recall (more than once given by General Twiggs), he held his posi- 
tion, giving the enemy a foretaste of what he meant to give them 
next day as a part of the storming party. Finding himself unsup- 
ported, he retired, having barely men enough with him to carry off 
his wounded. This movement of the gallant artillerist, though ap- 
parently rash, doubtless had its full effect upon the enemy's vital 
point, for they were swept into their stronghold, and the whole 
division under Twiggs, assisted by the volunteers, were engaged in 
placing on the opposing height a battery of two twenty-four-pound 
howitzers and a twenty-four-pound cannon within a deadly dis- 
tance of the formidable Cerro Gordo and here, during the dark 
hours of the night of the 17th, were the artillerymen under Major 
Gardner, riflemen and infantry, directed by the indefatigable Cap- 
tain Lee, assisted by Lieutenant Hagner of the ordnance ; engaged 
in the heavy, toilsome duty, of dragging these heavy guns up the 
hill (the men harnessing themselves to the ropes), and preparing 
this battery to cover the operations of the coming day of conflict; 
but hard work, like hard fighting, was all one to willing hearts, 
knowing their duties, and bent on performing them. Nor was this 



220 APPENDIX. 

all that was done on that eventful day and night, for the reader 
must bear in mind, that from the very plan of operations, the battle 
could not be confined to one point or field of conflict. 

The veteran Bonnet Riley, commanding the 2d brigade of this 
second division, co-operated with Harney of the first brigade, and 
was marching to the assistance of Childs, when he was recalled by 
General Twiggs. And on another point of this extended scene of 
action. General Pillow, of the first brigade of volunteers, consisting 
of the Pennsylvania and Tennessee regiments, a company of Ken- 
tucky volunteers, and a squadron of cavalry, had been allotted to 
the duty of assaulting the enemy's batteries nearest Plan del Rio ; 
these were formidable batteries, of seventeen guns in all, upon three 
spurs of ridges pointing towards the east and north, from which the 
enemy had communication with their other works by roads along 
the ridges, but which, if assailed in front, had to be approached over 
a route by no means so easy. General Pillow was, by the general 
orders, to attack these in front; the one nearest the river if possible; 
pierce the position, take them in reverse, or pursue the Mexicans 
holding them, if they were abandoned. In connexion with this de- 
monstration on the enemy's right, was another laborious and bold 
movement, performed by Lieutenants Ripley of the artillery. Tower 
of the engineers, and Lieutenant Laidley of the ordnance, for, with 
the spirit that animated these corps, they succeeded in carrying an 
eight-inch howitzer across the river to the south side, planted it on 
the heights there, so as to support by an enfilading fire, the assault 
of General Pillow's brigade. 

The morning of the 18th dawned. The battery on the hill, next 
to Cerro Gordo, was in position. The rocket and howitzer batteries 
attached to the division under Major Talcott were divided, but the 
cannonade from the hill began at seven in the morning. 

Colonel Riley with his brigade moved off" in a circuit to gain the 
Jalapa road, by going round the main work. This movement was 
made under a heavy fire of artillery from the Castle and the enemy's 
inftmtry on the slope of the hill. Riley detached part of his force 
to attack these, while the I'cst of his command moved on in the 
original direction with Lieutenant Benjamin, under the guidance of 



CERRO GORDO. 221 

Captain Lee of the engineers. Again, a detachment of three com- 
panies was ordered from his brigade to join those already detached, 
and while Colonel Harney, with his indomitable storming party, was 
pressing up the slope from the east, Riley's companies were moving 
at the i^f^f^s de charge up the opposite side, to meet them at the 
summit. 

Shields, at daylight, moved oif with his volunteers, the 3d and 4th 
Illinois regiments, and the New York troops, under the command of 
Colonel Foreman, Colonel Burnett, and Major Harris, crossing the 
ravine on the north, and taking a still wider sweep through the 
dense thickets, with the purpose of turning the enemy's left. This 
route brought them some half a mile to the rear of Cerro Gordo, 
and upon the five-gun battery, near the enemy's camp. Here the 
gallant Shields, leading his troops, fell desperately wounded with a 
grape-shot, which passed through his breast, and the command de- 
volved upon Colonel Baker, of Illinois, who bravely carried out the 
work which Shields had so resolutely begun. 

But the most striking movement of the day was made under the 
command of the distinguished Harney ; he led the storming party 
from the base of the day's operations, Twiggs' position. Joined by 
six companies of the 3d infantry, under Captain Alexander, four of 
artillery, commanded by the brave Childs, now about to complete 
his work began on the evening preceding, Harney formed his little 
band, sending his rifles under Loring to the left, to keep the enemy 
in check there ; and observing a large reinforcement coming up from 
the left on the main road, he determined to anticipate the attack by 
his riflemen ; placed the 7th infantry on the right, the 3d on the 
left, the artillery in the rear; and made his swoop, like an eagle 
from his eyrie. On went the steadfast Americans, under a storm of 
shot from musket, rifle, escopette, and cannon ; our howitzers, 
rockets, and heavy gun from the redoubt above, vaulted an arch of 
iron hail still higher than the hurricane of Mexican missiles. The 
gallant Harney, his commanding figure towering above his host, 
cheered them on to the steep ascent. They breasted it like heroes ; 
killed and wounded fell thick around them under the plunging fire 
from above ; the survivors have no time to heed them — onward, 

19* 



222 APPENDIX, 

onward ! is the word. The spirit outlasts the breath ; the soldiers 
of the 7th halt — not to retreat, but to gather wind for another rush. 
There is but one word of command from the officers, from Pljmpton, 
Childs, Alexander, or Harney, — " Charge ! charge !" The first 
intrenchment of mountain stone is reached — the enemy are serried 
behind it; again Harney's word of command, like a bugle-note, 
seems to be the motive power of the little phalanx — it is surmounted ; 
cleared ; the bayonets cross for a moment — and it is left behind. Then 
up — up — up the steep slope press the gallant party to the next 
intrenchment, close under the lofty citadel. The same result fol- 
lows ; another struggle, the fiercest and the last, and the j^osition is 
gained ! The Mexican colours are down. The stars and stripes 
float out from the summit of Cerro Gordo. The gallant Quarter- 
master Sergeant Henry, of the 7 th Infantry, is the first to bring 
down the banner of Mexico, which had so long predominated over 
the rugged hills of this mountain pass, and down the slope of their 
famed fortress hurry the flying Mexicans. 

This bold charge was made under the eye of the commanding 
Greneral, who witnessed it in person ; he was on the spot inspiring 
his subalterns and soldiers with confidence, by his martial bearing 
and calm intrepidity. It is related of him, that perceiving a person 
severely wounded in the very storm of the battle, and being in- 
formed that it was Captain Greorge W. Patten, of Riley's brigade, 
be stopped to address some words of sympathy, or kind inquiry, to 
him, but such was the roar of the conflict, that the wounded officer 
could not hear the words. 

Captain Magruder, of the artillery, who had on the day before 
gone to the aid of Colonel Childs, under a shower of balls, was now 
directed to turn the cannon upon the enemy below, towards the 
west ; they were attacked in flank also, about the very critical period 
when their great work was taken. A part of Riley's command, 
under the conduct of Captain Lee of the engineers, together with 
the volunteers under Shields, succeeded by Baker, as before related, 
coming in upon the Mexicans on their extreme left, routed them 
eflfectually. Though the leader of these brave volunteers fell, as it 
was supposed, mortally wounded, the command devolved upon one 



4 

1 



CERKO GORDO. 223 

suited to the emergency, Colonel Baker, who, like others of his 
countrymen, showed himself at home in the chaparral of the 
Mexican mountains, as well as upon the floor of Congr\ss ; his New 
York and Illinois troops moved upon the enemy behind Ccrro 
Gordo, took his guns, baggage, and many prisoners, and, with a 
large portion of his command, he joined Captain Taylor, of the light 
artillery, and part of Riley's troops under Lieutenant Lyon — first 
under the direction of Twiggs, then under Major-Gcneral Patterson, 
who had left a sick bed for the post of duty, and conducted these 
victorious troops in the pursuit, as far as Jalapa. G-eneral Worth, 
who was ordered to march by the right, in support of Twiggs, came 
up in time to witness the taking of Cerro Grordo, and was with 
General Scott in the fortress when the white flag was displayed, 
and the surrender eff"ected at the position carried by the volunteers. 
He passed on with his force, and in four days was master of Perote. 
The victory was complete, it was a rout. There was no point 
unassailed, and no position left to the Mexicans ; for on the enemy's 
right, General Pillow, on the 18th, waiting, as he was directed, to 
assail the formidable batteries opposed to him, but not until he 
should find the action commenced on the enemy's left, brought up 
his command to their post of danger, but the fierce shower of shot 
from the batteries obliged him to retire his troops out of the fire, and 
prepare for another attack, the flanking howitzer across the river, 
under the charge of Lieutenant Ripley, pouring in a steady fire in 
the mean time. Pillow, though wounded in the first assault, and 
rendered " hors de combat," did not intend to give up the contest, 
but assisted by Colonel Campbell and his brave officers, was ready 
for another assault upon battery No. 1, when he heard of the sur- 
render of the key of the enemy's position, and the necessary result 
was, the surrender of the batteries against which he was acting. 
This part of the engagement, though not so successful as the attacks 
about Cerro Gordo, answered the purposes and fulfilled the wishes 
of the Commander-in-chief. The enemy had work to do at every 
point of his defences, the simultaneous movement upon him at all 
points, prevented all succouring manoeuvres, and made quick work of 
it. The reports of the casualties in Pillow's brigade, testify that 



224 APPENDIX. 

even more were killed and wounded of his brigade than in the more 
successful corps of General Shields. 

Thus ended the battle of Cerro Gordo, one of the most remark- 
able in our annals, for the triumphant results of a battle which from 
its very character seemed to forbid the possibility of entire success 
in all its details, being a series of separate attacks against various 
points lying widely apart, and separated by a country rugged to 
wildncss; done, too, in one combined and well-concerted movement, 
by troops of all grades of experience, volunteers, who fought like 
veterans, raw levies even among the regulars, who had not received 
two weeks' drilling, and never before fired a shot in battle (one-half 
of the 3d infantry under Alexander were of this class), against 
heavy odds numerically, without regarding the advantages of posi- 
tion, and the defence of intrenchments, for General Scott's army, 
including his reserve, did not exceed 8500, while the enemy were 
more than 12,000. The enemy had but to await the attack on their 
lofty pei'ch, and then fire or charge down upon us ; while our men 
had to cut roads for their march through tangled thickets, over 
hills and deep ravines, drag their cannon up precipices with their 
own hands, where the sure-footed mule could not work ; and when 
the word ''forward" was given, to sj)end strength and breath tip 
the steep slopes under the pelting storms of bullets from above. 
And as to the "morale" in the comparison, our soldier was in a 
foreign land, impelled by no hope of plunder (for his stern but 
prudent leader would not allow it), his sole stimulus, his sense of 
duty, his sole attraction, the waving folds of the " flower flag" of 
his country ; the Mexicans fought for home, and hearth-stone, for 
country and kindred, for national honour against an invading foe, 
under a leader who battled on his patrimonial lands, and had sworn 
to conquer or die fighting, with his face to the foe, defending at 
once his country's independence, atid his cum estate. And yet 
were the Mexicans beaten, even to disorganization ; more than 1000 
killed and wounded, one general oflScer killed, and five taken pri- 
soners, 3000 prisoners taken and discharged on parole. The self- 
sacrificing general-in-chief, Santa Anna, flying ahead of his routed 
troops. The stunning efiect of the defeat lasting for months, and. 



CERRO GORDO. 225 

neutralizing all opposition at La Hoya, Perote, and Puebla, strong 
places for resistance, filled with valuable military stores and muni- 
tions, opening the way to the capital of the country to the vic- 
torious march of the commanding General of our army, and giving 
him time to gather and organize the scanty reinforcements sent to 
him preparatory to the crowning victories, toilsomely but gloriously 
won, at Contreras, Churubusco, Chapul tepee, and the causeway. 

In giving this rapid and imperfect sketch of this great and signal 
battle of Cerro Grordo, the writer has felt very sensibly his own 
want of military knowledge. One consoling reflection, however, is, 
that while he could not (without making his account an army list), 
name every gallant participant in the struggle, or give every detailed 
movement, yet he has honestly and carefully striven to keep to the 
record of the various deeds of bold enterprise and gallant bearing 
of those who bore a part in the fray. The reader who wishes to 
form a 'military judgment of the action, and know who fought and 
fell there, must turn to the masterly letters of Scott, with the able 
reports of those of his brave lieutenants who carried out so faith- 
fully the prophetic orders of their noble captain. 

The following list of officers, though necessarily confined to those 
who were in the Yalley battles, will show to the reader the names of 
many who, in those memorable fights, only added increased lustre 
to their honours won at Cerro Gordo. 



LIST OF OFFICERS 

OF THE U. S. ARMY AND VOLUNTEERS, 

WHO WERE ENGAGED IN THE BATTLES OF THE VALLEY OF MEXICO, 
UNDER COMMAND OF MAJOR-GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT, 

In the months of August and September, 1847. 



The notes of killed, wounded, &c., and the brevet rank of all 
o£&cers engaged in that service, are believed to be perfectly correct. 
In some cases, where no brevet is mentioned, the officers either died 
or left the service before they were conferred ; in a few instances 
they were declined. Brevets are not commonly conferred on volun- 
teer officers, although their services are admitted, by the army and 
the nation, to have been in the highest degree meritorious and dis- 
tinguished. 



GENERAL-IN-CHIEF AND STAFF. 

1. Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott, 

2. Lt. Col. E. A. Hitchcock, 

3. Capt. H. L. Scott, 

4. 1st Lt. T. Williams, 

5. Br. 1st. Lt. G. W. Lny, 

6. 2d Lt. Schuyler Hamilton, 

7. Maj. J. P. Gaines, 

ENGINEER CORPS. 

1. Maj. J. L. Smith, 

2, Capt. R. E. Lee, 



PRESENT 
BREVET R.ANK. REMARKS. 

Commanding the army. 
Colonel. Acting Inspector-General. 
Lt. Col. A. D. C, and Chief Adj. Gen's 
Dep. 



Major. A. D. C. 

Captain. Military Secretary. 

" A. D. C. Badly wounded, Mira 

Flores, Aug. 18th, 1847. 
Volunteer A. D. C. 



Colonel. Chief Engineer. ^ 

" Wounded at Chap ultepec, Sept. ; 

13. 



LIST OF OFFICEKS. 



227 



PEESENT 
ENGINEER CORPS. BREVET RANK. 

3. Capt. Jas. L. Mason, Lt. Col. 

4. Lt. P. G. T. Beauregard, Major. 

5. " Isaac J. Stevens, " 

6. " Z. B. Tower, 



7. "' G. W. Smith, 

8. " J. G. Foster, 

9. " G. B. M'Clellan, 

ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT. 

1. Capt. Benj. Huger, 

2. 1st Lt. P. V. Hagner, 

3. 2d Lt. C. P. Stone, 

TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS. 

I. Maj. Wm. TurnbuU, 



Captain. 



Colonel. 

Major. 

Captain. 

Colonel. 
Lt. Col. 



2. Capt. J. M'Clellan, 

3. 2d Lt. Geo. Thorn. 

4. Br. 2d Lt. E. L. F. Hardcastle, Captain. 

quartermaster's department. 
1. Capt. J. R. Irwin, 



Major. 



2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 


' A. C. Myers, 
' Robert Allen, 
' H. C. Wayne, 
' J. M'Kinstry, 


6. 
7. 
8. 
9. 


' G. W. F. Wood 
" Jos. Daniels, 
«' O'Hara, 
" M'Gowan, 



subsistence department. 

1. Capt. J. B. Grayson, 

2. " T. P. Randle. 



Lt. Col. 



remarks. 
Wounded severely, Molino del 

Rey, Sept. 8. 
Wounded at Belen Gate, Sept. 

13. 
Wounded at San Cosme, Sept. 

13. 
Wounded at Chapultepec, Sept. 

13. 

Wounded at Molino del Rey, 
Sept. 8. 



Chief of Ordnance Department. 



Chiefof Top. Engineers. Served 

with Gen. in chief. 
Served with Twiggs' Division. 

" " Worth's " 



Chief of Q. M. D. Served with 
Gen. in Chief. Died in Mexico. 

Served with Worth's Division. 
" " Twiggs' " 

Ass't to Chief Quartermaster. 

Commanded a company of vo- 
lunteers at Churubusco. 

Served with Harney's Brigade. 

Q. M. Quitman's Division. 
" Pillow's " 



Chief Subsistence Department. 
Served with Gen. in chief. 



228 



APPENDIX. 



PAT DEPARTMENT. 

1. Maj. E. Kirby, 

2. "A. Van Buren, 

3. "A. W. Burns. 

4. "A. G. Bennett, 

MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. 



PRESENT 
BREVET RANK. 



1. 


Surg. Gen. Thos. Lawson, Br. G 


2. 


Surgeon B. F. Harney. 


3. 


R. S. Satterlee, 


4. 


C. S. Tripler, 


5. 


" Burton Randall, 


6. 


J. J.'B. Wright, 


7. 


" J. M. Cuyler, 


8. 


Asst. Surg. A. F. Suter, 


9. 


" " Jos. Simpson, 


10. 


" W. C. De Leon, 


11. 


" H. H. Steiner, 


12. 


" " J. Simons, 


13. 


" " J. K. Barnes, 


14. 


" L. H. Holden, 


15. 


" " C. C. Keemy, 


16. 


" J. F. Head, 


17. 


" " J. F. Hammond, 


18. 


" " J. M. Steiner, 


19. 


" " C. P. Deyerle, 


20. 


" E. Swift, 


21. 


Surgeon J. M. Tyler, 


22. 


M'Millan, 


23. 


Surgeon C. J. Clark, 


24. 


" M. B. Halstead, 


25. 


Asst. Surg. R. Hagan, 


26. 


" " H. L. AVheaton, 


27. 


Surgeon R. Ritchie, 


28. 


" J. Ban-y, 


29. 


D. S. Edwards, U.S. N., 


30. 


" L. W. Jordan, 



Colonel. Chief Pay Department. Served 

with Gen. in chief. 
Lt. Col. 



Served with Gen. in chief. 

Chief Surgeon, Worth's Div. 

" " Twiggs' " 

Attached to 7th Infantry. 
Medical Purveyor. 
Attached to 4th Artillery. 

" Rifle regiment. 

" 6th Infantry. 

" 8th 

" 1st Artillery. 

" 4th Infantry. 

Wounded Sept. 8. 

' ' Cavalry. 

*' 3d Artillery. 

" 3d Infantry. 

" Taylor's Battery. 

" 2d Infantry. 

" Magruder's Bat'y. 

" 2d Artillery. 

" 1st Dragoons. 

" Voltigeurs. 

" 2d Pa. Volunteers. 

" S. C. Volunteers. 

" N. Y. Volunteers. 

" 14th Infantry. 

" Pillow's Division. 



Chief Surg, of Quitman's Div. 
Attached to 14th Infantry. 



LIST OF OFFICERS. 



229 



MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. 

31. Passed Asst. Surg. Richard 

M'Sherry, U. S. N., 

32. Surgeon W. Roberts, 



PRESENT 
BREVET RANK. 



Acting Surgeon of Marines. 
Attached to 5th Infantry, mor- 
tally wounded, Sept. 8. 



C.WALRY BRIGADE. 

1. Col. W. S. Harney, 2d D., 

2. 1st Lt. Wm. Steele, " 

3. 2d Lt. Julian May, M. Rifles, 



Br. Gen. Commanding Cavalry. 
Captain. A. A. A. G. 
1st Lt. Aid-de-Camp. 



FIRST DRAGOONS. 

1. Capt. P. Kearney, Com. IstD., Major. 

2. 1st Lt. R. S. Ewell, Captain. 

3. 2d Lt. Orren Chapman, 1st Lt. 

4. " L. Graham, Captain. 



Wounded at San Antonio Gate, 
August 20. 



SECOND DRAGOONS. 

1. Maj. E. V. Sumner, 

2. Capt. Geo. A. H. Blake, 



3. ' 


' Croghan Ker, 




4. 


' S. B. Thornton, 




5. 


' W. J. Hardee, 


Lt. Col. 


6. 


' H. W. Merrill, 


Major. 


7. 


' H. H. Sibley, 


Major. 


8. 2d 


Lt. R. H. Anderson, 


1st Lt. 


9. 


' J. Y. Bicknell. 




10. 


' J. M. Hawes, 


1st Lt. 


11. 


' T. F. Castor. 




12. 


' Arthur D. Tree, 


1st Lt. 


13. 


" James Oakes, 


Captain. 


14. 


" W. D. Smith. 





Colonel. Commanding. 
Major. 

Wounded severely, Sept. 8. 

Killed, San Antonio, Aug. 18. 



Wounded at Molino del Rey, 
Sept. 8. 



THIRD DRAGOONS. 

1. Lt. Col. Thos. P. Moore, 

2. Capt. E. B. Gaither. 

3. " A. M. Duperu. 



20 



Commanding Regiment. 



230 



APPENDIX. 



TIIIUI) DKAGOONS. 

4. Capt. A. T. M'Reynolds. 

5. 1st Lt. Geo. J. Adde. 

6. " J. A. Divver. 

7. " Geo. E. Maney. 

8. " J. T. Brown. 

9. 2d Lt. J. C. D. William.'*, 

10. " W. C. Wagley. 

11. " Francis Henry. 

12. " W. Merrihew. 

13. " Wm. Blood. 

14. " W. G. Mosely. 

MOUNTED KIFLEMEN. 

1. Capt. Chs. F. RufF, 

2. 1st Lt. And. J. Lindsay, 

3. " Jno. G. Walker, 

4. 2d Lt. Geo. H. Gordon, 



PRESENT 
BREVET RANK. 



INFajor. 



IMajor. 
Captain. 
Captain. 
1st Lt. 



first division regulars, 
garland's and Clarke's brigades 

1. Bt. Maj. Gen. W.J. Worth, 

2. Bt. Capt. AV. W. Mackall, 

3. " " J. C. Pemberton, 



4. Bt. 1st Lt. L. B. AVood, 

5. Maj. Borland, Ark. Vol. 

6. Lt. Raphael Semmes, U. S. N 



Major. 
Major. 
Captain. 



RE.MARKS. 

AVounded at San Antonio Gate, 
Au"-. 20. 



Wounded at Molino del Rey. 



Wounded at Molino del Rey. 



Commanding Division. 
A. A. G. 
Aide-de-camp. 
Aide-de-camp. 
Vol. Aide-de-camp. 
Vol. Aide-de-camp. 



GARLAND S BRIGADE. 

SECOND AND THIRD ARTILLERY AND 

FOURTH INFANTRY. 

1. Bt.CoL Jno. Garland, 4th L, Br. Gen. 

2. Bt. Capt. W. A. Nichols, Major. 
8. 2d Lt. Herman Thorn, Captain. 

Clarke's brigade. 

1. Col. N. S. Clarke, Gth Inf. Br. Gen. 

2. 2d Lt. R. AV. Kirkham, Captain. 

3. " AV. T. Burwell. 



Commanding Brigade. 
A. A. A. G. 

Aide-de-camp, wounded at 
Molino del Rey. 

Commanding Brigade. 
A. A. A. G. 

Aide-de-Camp. Killed at Mo- 
lino del ReA-. 



LIST OF OFFICERS. 



231 



PRESENT 
SECOND AETILLERT. BREVET RANK, 

1. Major P. H. Gait, Lt. Col. 

2. Capt. S. M'Kcnzie, 

3. " and Bt. Lt. Col. C. F. 

Smith, Colonel. 

4. Capt. and Bt. Lt. Col. J. 

Duncan, Col., Ins. 



5. 


Captain H. Brooks, 


Lt. Col. 


6. 


IstLt 


M. L. Shackelford, 




7. 


" 


C. B. Daniels, 




8. 


(< 


L. G. Arnold, 


Captain. 


9. 


n 


F. Woodbridge, 


Major. 


10. 


" 


J. Sedgwick, 


Captain, 


11. 


" 


A. Elzey, 


•' 


12. 


<( 


Wm. B. Blair. 




13. 


a 


Henry J. Hunt, 


Major. 


14. 


" 


Wm. Hays, 


" 


15. 


" 


Wm. Armstrong, 




16. 


a 


H. A. Allen, 


Captain. 


17. 


<( 


S. S. Anderson, 


" 


18. 


(< 


John J. Peck, 


Major. 


19. 


2d Lt 


H. F. Clarke, 


Captain. 


20. 


<< 


M. D. L. Simpson, 


" 




THIRD ARTILLERY. 




1. 


Colon 


el F. S. Belton, 


Colonel. 


2. 


Captain Martin Burke, 


Lt. Col. 


3. 


BrcTet ]\Iajor R. D. A. Wade 


" 


4. 


Captain Robert Anderson, 


Major. 


5. 


(( 


E. J. Steptoe, 


Lt. Col. 


6. 


IstLt 


. and Adjt. Wm. Austine 


Major. 


7. 


" 


Henry B. Judd, 


Captain 



REMARKS. 

Commanding regiment. 
Com'd of Stormers, Sept. 13. 

Commanded L. Inf. Battalion. 

Gen., 

Commanded Batter j% &c., Ar- 
tillery, Sept. 12, 13, 14. 

Commanded reg't, Sept. 13. 

Mortally wounded at Molino 
del Rey. 

Mortally wounded at Molino 
del Rey. 

Wounded at Churubusco. 



8. Brevet Capt. Geo. W. Aj'res, 

9. 1st Lt. R. W. Johnson. 

10. " H. Brown, 

11. " Francis J. Thomas. 



Killed at Molino del Rey. 



With Stormers, 1st Division. 



Wounded at Churubusco. 

" " Molino del Rey. 

Commanding Light Battery, 
Quitman's Division. 



Killed at Molino del Rey 



232 



THIRD AETILLKRY. 

12. 2d Lt. Jas. I. Farry, 

13. " Louis D. AVelch. 

14. " Geo. P. Andrews, 

15. " Hamilton Shields, 

16. " Jno. H. Lendrum, 

FOURTH INFANTRY. 

1. Major Francis Lee, 

2. Brev. Maj. R. C. Buchanan 

3. 1st Lt. Henry Prince, 



APPENDIX 

PRESENT 




BREVET RANK. REMARKS. 




Killed at Molino del Key. 


Captain. 




1st Lt. 




Colonel. 


Commanding Regiment. 


, Lt. (_'ol. 




Major. 


Severely wounded at Molino 




del Rey. 



4. 


" Jno. H. Gore, 


Captain 


5. 


" Sidney Smith, 




6. 


" G. 0. Haller, 


Major. 


7. 


" Jenks Beaman, 




8. 2d Lt. U. S. Grant, 


1st Lt. 


9. 


' H. M. Judah, 


Captain 


10. 


' A. B. Lincoln, 


1st Lt. 


11. 


' T. J. Montgomery. 




12. 


' A. P. Rogers, 




13. 


' D. F. Jones, 


1st Lt. 


14. 


' M. Maloney, 


Captain 


15. 


' T. R. M'Connell, 


1st Lt. 


16. 


' Edmund Russell, 


" 



Mortally wounded in City of 

Mexico, Sept. 14. 
With Stormers, Sept. 8. 



Wounded at Molino del Rey. 

Killed at Chapultepec. 

AVith Stormers atMol. del Rey. 
" " at Chapultepec. 



FIFTH INFANTRY. 

1. Brev. Col. L S. M'Intosh, 

2. Brev. Lt. Col. Martin Scott, 

3. Captain M. E. Merrill, 

4. " E. K. Smith, 

5. " Wm. Chapman, 

6. " Daniel Ruggles, 

7. " D. H. M'Phail, 

8. 1st Lt. N. B. Rossell, 

9. " S. H. Fowler, 



Mortally wounded at Molino 

del Rey. 
Killed at Molino del Rey. 

li li iC 

Mortally wounded at Molino 
del Rey. 
Lt. Col. Commanding Regiment after 
death of superior ofiBcers. 

a 

Major. 
(( 

Captain. 



LIST OF OFFICERS. 



233 



FIFTH IXFANTRY. 

10. 1st Lt. P. Lugenbeel, 

11. " M. Rosencrants, 

12. " C. S. Hamilton, 

13. 2d Lt. F. S. Dent, 

14. " E. B. Strong, 

15. " J. P. Smith, 

16. " P. Farrelly, 



PRESENT 
BREVET RANK. REMARK.S. 

Major. Slightly wounded. 
Captain. 

Captain. Severely wounded at Molino 
del Rey. 
1st Lt. Severely wounded at Molino 
del Rey. 
Killed at Molino del Rey. 
" Chapultepec. 
" Severely wounded at Churu- 

busco. 



SIXTH INFANTRY. 

1. Major B. L. E. Bonneville, 

2. Captain AYm. Hoffman, 

3. " Albemarle Cady, 

4. " T. L. Alexander, 

5. " J. B. S. Todd. 

6. " W. H. T. Walker, 

7. " C. S. Lovell. 

8. 1st Lt. E. Johnson, 

9. " T. Hendrickson, 

10. " L. A. Armistead, 

11. " Leonidas Wetmore, 

12. " John D. Bacon, 

13. " A. Morrow, 

14. 2d Lt. A. D. Nelson. 

15. " R. F. Ernst, 



16. 


R. W. Kirkham, 


17. 


E. Howe, 


18. 


' L. B. Buckner, 


19. 


' W. S. Hancock, 



Lt. Col. Commanding regiment. 
Major. Wounded at Molino del Rey. 



Lt. Col. Severely wounded at Molino 
del Rey. 

Captain. 

" Severely wounded at Churu- 

busco. 
Major. Wounded at Chapultepec. 
Captain. 

Mortally wounded at Churu- 
busco. 



Mortally wounded at Molino 
del Rey. 

1st Lt. 



EIGHTH INFANTRY. 

1. Major C. A. Waite, Colonel. Wounded at Molino del Rey. 

2. Brevet Major Geoi'ge Wright, " Wounded commanding storm- 

ers, Sept. 8. 
20* 



234 



APPENDIX. 



EIGHTH INFANTRY. 

Captain and Brevet ^lajor 
R. Montgomery, 



PRESENT 
BREA-ET RANK. 

W. 



REMARKS. 



4. 


Captain R. B. Screven, 


5. 


" 


J. V. Bomford, 


6. 


u 


J. V. D. Reeve, 


7. 


" 


C. R. Gates, 


8. 


" 


Larkin Smith, 


9. 


1st LI 


. Joseph Selden, 


10. 


(( 


J. G. Burbank, 


11. 


u 


.Jno. Beardsley, 


12. 


" 


C. F. Morris, 


13. 


t( 


J. D. Clarke, 


14. 


(( 


J. Longstreet, 


15. 


2dLt 


E. B. HoUoway, 


16. 


" 


C. G. Merchant, 


17. 


<( 


Geo. Wainwright, 


18. 


" 


J. G. S. Snelling, 


19. 
20. 


;: 


T. 6. Pitcher, 
G. E. Pickett, 



1st Lt. W. H. 

P. W. M'Donald, 



SMITH S BRIGADE. 



Lt. Col. Wounded at Molino del Rey, 
Sept. 8. 



Major. 

" Wounded at Molino del Rey. 

" " Chapultepec. 

Mortally wounded at Molino 
del Rey. 
Captain, Wounded at ]Molino del Rey. 
Mortally wounded at Slolino 
del Rey. 
" Wounded at Molino del Rey. 

Major, " Chapultepec. 

1st Lt. " Churubusco. 

" " Molino del Rey. 



second division regulars, 
smith's and rilet's brigades. 
1. Brig. Gen. D. E. Twiggs, Maj. Gen. 

T. Brooks, Major. 

Captain. 



mounted rifles, first artillery, 
and third infantry. 

1. Brev. Brig. Gen. P. F. Smith, Maj. Gen. Commanding Brigade. 

2. 1st Lt. Earl Van Dorn, 7th 

Infantry, Major. A. A. A. G. 

fourth artillery', second infantry, 

and seventh infantry. 

riley's brigade. 

1. Brevet Colonel B. Riley, 

2. Brevet Capt. E. R. S. Canby, 

3. let Lt. Julius Hayden. 



Brig. Gen. Commanding Brigade. 
Major. A. A. G. 
Captain. Aide-de-camp. 



LIST OF OFFICERS. 



235 



reg't of mounted riflemen. 

1. Major AV. W. Loring, 

2. Captain W. F. Sanderson, 



PRESENT 
BREVET RANK. 



REMARKS. 



Colonel. Severely wounded at Garita 

de Belen. 
Major. 



3. 


Henry C. Pope. 




4. 


Geo. B. Crittenden. 




5. 


Jno. B. Simonson, 


" 


6. 


J. B. Backenstoss, 


Lt. Col 


7. 


S. S. Tucker, 


Major. 


8. 


B. S. Roberts, 


Lt. Col 


9. 


Andrew Porter, 


u 



10. 1st Lt. M. E. Van Buren, 

11. " Llewellyn Jones. 

12. 1st Lt. Noah Newton. 



Captain. Severely wounded at Con- 
treras. 



13. 


2dLt 


Geo. M'Lane, 


Captain. 




14. 




1 


R. M. Morris, 


(( 




15. 






F. S. K. Russell, 


1st Lt. 


Wounded September 13. 


16. 






D. M. Frost, 


<( 




17. 






Jno. P. Hatch, 


Captain. 


• 


18. 






Gordon Granger, 


a 




19. 






J. N. Palmer, 


1st Lt. 


Wounded near Chapultepec 


20. 






James Stuart, 


Captain. 




21. 






Alfred Gibbs, 


1st Lt. 





FIRST ARTILLERY. 



1. Brevet Major J. Dimick, Colonel. Commanding Regiment. 



2. 
3. 


Captain Geo. Nauman, 
" Francis Taylor, 


4. 
5. 


" Jno. H. Winder, 
" Jno. B. Magruder, 


6. 

7. 
8. 
9. 


" E. A. Capron, 
" M. J. Burke, 
" Jno. S. Hatheway, 
1st Lt. Wm. H. French, 



Lt. Col. 



Major. 
Lt. Col. 



Major. 



Commanding Light Battery, 
Twiggs' Division. 

Commanding Light Battery, 

Pillow's Division, 
liilled at Churubusco. 



236 



APPENDIX. 



FIEST ARTILLERY. 

10. 1st Lt. J. N. Haskin, 

11. " H. D. Grafton, 

12. " S. K. Dawson, 

13. " J. G. Martin, 

14. " J. M. Brannan, 

15. 2d Lt. Henry Coffee, 



16. 




E. C. Boynton, 


17. 




Thos. I. Jackson, 


18. 




Truman Seymour, 


19. 




S. Hoffman, 


20. 




Jno. B. Gibson, 


21. 




J. P. Johnston, 



PRESENT 
BREVET RANK. REMARKS. 

Major. Wounded at Chapul tepee. 
Captain. 

Major. Wounded at Churubusco. 

Captain. Wounded near Chapultepec. 

" Wounded at Churubusco. 



1st Lt. 



Killed at Churubusco. 



Killed at Contrcras. 



THIRD INFANTRY. 

1. Captain E. B. Alexander, 



Lt. Col. Commandinp; Regiment. 



2. 


(1 


J. Van Home, 


Maj or. 




3. 


(( 


Lewis S. Craig, 


Lt. Col. 


Severely wounded at Chui-u- 
busco. 


4. 


..< 


J. M. Smith. 






5. 


" 


W. H. Gordon. 






6. 


" 


Daniel T. Chandler, 


Lt. Col. 




7. 


" 


Stephen D. Dobbins, 




With Stormers at Chapultepec 


8. 


IstLt 


0. L. Sheppard, 


Major. 




9. 


" 


W. B. Johns, 


Captain. 




10. 


(( 


D. C. Buell, 


Major. 


Severely wounded at Churu 
busco. 


11. 


" 


J. B. Richardson, 


" 




12. 


<' 


A. W. Bowman, 


Captain. 




13. 


2dLt. 


Henry B. Shroeder, 


1st Lt. 




14. 


" 


Barnard E. Bee, 


Captain. 


Stormers at Chapultepec. 


15. 


u 


Henry B. Clitz, 


1st Lt. 




16. 


" 


W. H. Wood. 






17. 


(( 


J. D. Wilkins, 


(C 




18. 


(< 


J. N. G. Whistler, 


" 




19. 


" 


M. O'SuUivan. 






20. 


a 


Geo. Sykes, 


Captain. 





FOURTH ARTILLERY. 

1. Major Jno. L. Gardner, 

2. Brevet Major H. Brown. 



Colonel. Commanding Regiment. 
Lt. Col. 



LIST OF OFFICERS. 



237 





PRESENT 
FOURTH ARTILLERY. BREVET RANK. 


3. 


Captain S. H. Drum, 




4. 


" S. C. RiJgely, 


Major. 


5. 


1st Lt. Jno. W. Phelps, 


Captain. 


6. 


" J. N. M. Cown, 


a 


7. 


" G. W. Getty, 


li 


8. 


" A. P. Howe, 


li 


9. 


" C. Benjamin, 




10. 


" D. H. Hill, 


Major. 


11. 


" F. J. Porter, 


ti 


12. 


2cl Lt. F. Collins, 


1st Lt. 


13. 


" A. L. Magilton, 


a 


14. 


" G. A. De Russy, 


(I 


15. 


" S. L. Gouverneur, 

SECOND INFANTRY. 


C( 


1. 


Captain T. Morris, 


Lt. Col. 


2. 


" J. J. B. Kingsbury, 


Major. 


3. 


J. R. Smith, 


Lt. Col. 


4. 


" Silas Casey, 


" 


5. 


" Jas. W. Penrose, 


Major. 


6. 


H. W. Wessells, 


" 


7. 


" Jas. W. Anderson, 





REMARKS. 



Killed at Garita de Belen. 



8. 1st Lt. C. S. Lovell, 



9. 
10. 

11. 

12. 

13. 2d 

14. 

15. 

16. 

17. 

18. 

19. 



D. Davidson, 
Geo. C. Wescott, 



B. P. Tilden. 

N. Lyon, 
Lt. J. W. Schureman, 
" C. E. Jarvis, 
" David R. Jones. 
" Frederick Steele, 
" Thos. Early, 
" Nelson H. Davis, 
" Wm. M. Gardner, 



Captain. 



Captain. 
1st Lt. 



Captain. 
1st Lt. 



Killed at Belen Garita. 

Wounded Sept. 13, at Belen. 
" at Contreras. 

Withstormers at Chapultepec 



Commanding 2d Infantry. 



Severely wounded Sept. 13th, 
with stormers. 

Wounded at Contreras. 
Mortally wounded at Churu- 

busco. 
Wounded at Churubusco. 

Wounded Aug. 19. Withstorm- 
ers Sept. 13. 

Wovmded in City of Mexico. 



With stormers Sept. 13. 
Killed at Churubusco. 

Severely wounded at Churu- 
busco. 



238 



APPENDIX. 



SEVENTH INFANTRY. 



PRESENT 
BREVET RANK. 



1. 


Lt. Col. I. Plympton, 


Colonel. 


2. 


Maj. A. Bainbridge, 


Lt. Col. 


3. 


Captain R. H. Ross, 


'« 


4. 


(( 


G. R. Paul, 


Maj or. 


5. 


(< 


Charles Hanson, 




6. 


" 


J. G. Ilensliaw, 


" 


7. 


1st Lt 


Henry Little, 


Captain. 


8. 


" 


C. H. Humber, 


<< 


9. 


(( 


Levi Gantt, 




10. 


" 


S. B. Ilayman. 




11. 


2dLt. 


F. Gardner, 


Captain 


12. 


<( 


W. K. Van Bokkelen, 


1st Lt. 


13. 


(( 


Ed. K. Smith, 


Captain. 


14. 


" 


^Y. H. Tyler, 


1st Lt. 


15. 


(( 


S. B. Maxey, 


ce 


16. 


" 


T. Hem-y, 


(( 



REMARKS. 

Commanding Regiment. 

Severely wounded at Contrcras. 

With Stormers. 

Mortally wounded at Contreras. 



Severely •wounded at Churu- 

busco. 
Killed at Chapultepec. 



THIRD DIVISION REGULARS. 
PIERCe's and CADWALADER's BRIGADES 

1. Maj. Gen. G. J. Pillow. 



2. Brevet Captain J. Hooker, 

3. 1st Lt. G. W. Rains, 

4. " R. S. Ripley, 

5. P. Mid. R. C. Rogers, U. S. N. 

PIERCE's BRIGADE. 

NINTH, TWELFTH, AND FIFTEENTH 

INFANTRY. 

". Brig. Gen. Franklin Pierce, 

2. Captain 0. F. Winship, 

3. 1st Lt. E. H. Fitzgerald, 



Commanding Div. Wounded 
Chapultepec. 
Lt. Col. A. A. G. 
Captain. Aide-de-camp. 
Major. Aide-de-camp. 

Vol. Aide-de-camp. 



Commanding Brigade. 
Major. A. A. G. 
" Aide-de-camp. 



at 



CADWALADER S BRIGADE. 

1. Brig. Gen. Geo. Cadwalader, Maj. Gen. Commanding Brigade. 

2. Brevet Capt. Geo. Deas, Major. A. A. G. 

3. 1st Lt. J. F. Irons. Mortally wounded at Churu- 

busco. 



LIST OF OFFICERS. 



239 









PRESENT 




NINTH INFANTRY. 


BREVET RANK. 


1. 


Colonel T. B. Ransom, 




2, 


Maj. T 


'. H. Seymour, 


Colonel. 


3. 


Captain J. S. Pitman. 




4. 


" 


E. A. Kimball, 


Major. 


5. 


(( 


N. S. Webb, 


" 


6. 


" 


C. N. Bodfish, 


<i 


7. 


" 


J. AV. Thompson. 




8. 


1st Lt. 


Jno. S. Slocum, 


Captain. 


9. 


" 


and Adj. J. C. Sprague, " 


10. 


" • 


Geo. Bowers, 


" 


11. 


" 


J. H. Jackson, 


" 


12. 


" 


Albert Tracy, 


a 


13. 


(( 


J. M. Hathaway, 


1st Lt. 


14. 


2d Lt. 


, A. A. Stoddard, 


(( 


15. 


li 


T. P. Pierce, 


" 


16. 


2cl Lt. 


T. H. Crosby, 


1st. Lt. 


17. 


" 


A. T. Palmer, 


" 


18. 


" 


R. C. Drum. 




19. 


" 


John Glackin, 


" 


20. 


(f 


Levi Woodhouse, 


" 


21. 


" 


AV. A. Newman, 


(( 


22. 


" 


John McNabb. 





Killed near Chapultepec. 



Wounded at Chapultepec. 



Wounded at Churubusco. 



Wounded at Churubusco. 



TWELFTH INFANTRY. 

1. Lt. Col. M. L. Bonham. 

2. Captain W. B. Holden, 

3. " Allen Wood, 

4. " J. W. Denver. 

5. 1st. Lt. Charles Taplin, 



6. 


(( 


J. H. H. Felch. 


7. 


" 


W. B. Giles, 


8. 


" 


John L. Simpkins. 


9. 
10. 


2dLt. 


Henry Almstedt. 
W. A. Linn. 


11. 


(1 


A. E. Steen, 


12. 


" 


J. M. Bronaugh, 



FIFTEENTH INFANTRY. 

1. Colonel G. W. Morgan, 

2. Lt.-Col. Joshua Howard, 



Major. 
Captain. 



1st Lt. 



Brig. Gen., Wounded at Chiirubusco. 
Colonel. 



240 



APPENDIX. 



FIFTEENTH INFANTRY. 



3. Major F. D. Miles, 



PRESENT 
BREVET RANK. 



Killed at San Antonio garita, 
August 20. 



Samuel Woods, Major 

6tli Infantry, Lt. Col. 

r. 

Major. 



5. Captain E. Vandeventer. 


6. 


' Daniel Chase, 


7. 


' James A. Jones, 


8. 


E. A. King. 


9. 


Isaac D. Toll. 


10. 


' Augustus Quarles, 


11. 


' M. Hoagland, 


12. 1st 


Lt. G. W. Bowie, 


13. 


' Thomas H. Freelon, 


14. 


' T. F. Broadhead, 


15. 


' D. Upman. 


16. 


' J. B. Miller. 


17. 


' E. L. Marshall, 


18. 


' A. G. Sutton, 


19. 


' J. B. Goodman, 


20. 2d. 


Lt. Daniel French, 


21. 


' Charles Peternell, 


22. 


' J. W. Wiley, 


23. 


' H. M. Cady. 


24. 


L. E. Beach, 


25. 


' F. 0. Beckett, 


26. 


' Thomas B. Tilton. 


27. 


' W. H. H. Goodloe, 


28. 


' L. P. Titus, 


29. 


' J. R. Bennett, 



Mortally wounded at Churu- 
busco. 



Captain. 



1st. Lt. 



Killed at Churubusco. 



Wounded at Churubusco. 



ELEVENTH INFANTRY. 

1. Lt. Col. William M. Graham, 

2. Major J. F. Hunter, Lt. Col. 

3. Captain William H. Irwin, Major, 

4. " 0. Waddell. 

5. " P. M. Guthrie, " 

6. " Arnold Syberg. 

7. " Thomas F. M'Coy, Captain. 



Killed at Molino del Key. 
Wounded at Molino del Key. 



LIST OF OFFICERS. 



241 



F.LEVEXTII INFANTRY. 



8. 1st Lt. Daniel S. Lee, 



9. " 

10. " 

11. " 

12. 2dLt. 

13. " 

14. " 

15. " 
10. " 



John Motz, 
C. P. Evans, 
B. F. Harley, 
G. L. M'Clelland. 
A. H. Tippin, 
W. H. Scott. 
R. H. L. Johnson, 
M. Stever. 



PRESENT 
BREVET RANK. 



REMARKS. 



Captain. 

Major. 

Captain. 



1st. Lt. 



Wounded, August 20. 



Killed at Molino del ^ej. 



FOURTEENTH INFANTRY. 

1. Colonel Wm. Trousdale, 

2. Lt. Col. P. 0. Hebert, 

3. Major John H. Savage, 

4. " John D. Wood. 

5. Captain R. G. Beale. 

6. " P. B. Anderson. 

7. " E. Bogardus. 

8. " Thomas Glenn, 

9. '* J. M. Scantland, 

10. " J. P. Breedlove. 

11. " J. W. Perkins. 

12. " C. T. Huddleston. 

13. 1st Lt. James Blackburn, 

14. " Thomas Shields, 

15. " H. B. Kelly. 

16. *' R. Humphreys. 

17. " Thomas Smith. 

18. " N. M'Clannahan. 

19. " A. J. M'Allon. 

20. 2d Lt. Richard Steele, 

21. " B. Davis, 

22. " W. H. SeaweU. 

23. " R. W. Bedford. 

24. " Perrin Watson. 

25. " A. J. Isaacs, 

26. " A. J. Hudson. 

27. " J. C. C. Hays. 

28. " S. T. Love. 



Brig. Gen 
Colonel. 



Wounded at Chapultepec. 
Wounded at Molino del Rey. 



Major. 



Captain. 



Wounded at Chapultepec. 



Wounded at Molino del Rey. 



Wounded at Chapultepec. 



Ist Lt. 



1st Lt. 



21 



242 



APPENDIX. 



VOLTIGEURS. 

1. Colonel T. P. Andrews, 

2. Lt. Col. J. E. Johnston, Lt. 

Col. Top. Engineers, 

3. Major G. A. Caldwell, 

4. " G. H. Talcot, 

5. Captain A. P. Churchill. 
G. " 0. E. Edwards, 

7. " .James D. Blair. 

8. " Charles J. Biddle, 

9. " John E. Howard, 

10. " M. J. Barnard, 

11. " J. J. Archer, 

12. 1st Lt. B. D. Fry. 

13. " .James Tilton. 

14. " A. H. Cross. 

15. " H. C. Longnecker. 

16. " W. S. Walker. 

17. 2d Lt. Charles F. Vernon. 

18. " R. C. Forsyth, 

19. " T. D. Cochran. 

20. " Robert Swan. 

21. " George R. Kiger. 

22. " G. S. Kintzing. 

23. " William J. Martin, 

24. " J. H. Smythe. 

25. " James R. May. 

26. " Edward C. Marvin. 

27. " Robert H. Archer. 

28. " Washington Terrett. 

29. " T. H. Earned. 

30. " James E. Slaughter. 

MOUNTAIN HOWITZER BATTEKT. 

1. 1st Lt. F. D. Callender, 

2. 2d Lt. J. L. Reno, 

division of volunteers. 

shields' brigade and second 

pennsylvania volunteers. 

1. Major-General J. A. Quitman, 

2. 1st Lt. M. Lovell, 

3. 2d Lt. C. W. Wilcox, 



PRESENT 
BREVET RANK 



REMARKS. 

Brig. Gen. Commanding Regiment. 



Colonel. 
Lt. Col. 



Major. 



AVounded at Molino del Rey. 



1st Lt. 



1st Lt. 



Captain. Wounded at Contreras. 
" " Sept. 13. 



Commanding Division. 
Captain. A. A. A. G. 
1st Lt. Aide-de-Camp. 



LIST OF OFFICERS. 



243 



SHIELDS BRIGADE 

MARINES, NEW YORK AND SOUTH 

CAROLINA VOLUNTEERS. 

1. Brig. Gen. J. Shields, 

2. Brevet Captain F. N. Page, 

3. 1st Lt. R. P. Hammond, 

4. " G. T. M. Davis, 

MARINE CORPS.* 

1. Lt. Col. S. E. Watson, 

2. Major Levi Twiggs, 

3. " Wm. Dulany, 

4. Captain J. G. Reynolds, 

5. " G. H; Terrett, 

6. 1st Lt. D. D. Baker, 

7. " Jno. S. Devlin, 



PRESENT 
BREVET RANK. 



8. 


R. C. Caldwell. 


9. 


W. L. Young, 


10. " 


J. C. Rich. 


11. 2dLt 


Jno. D. Simms, 


12. " 


D. J. Sutherland, 


13. " 


F. Norvell, 


14. " 


J. S. Nicholson, 


15. " 


C. G. M'Cauley, 


IG. " 


Thomas T. Field, 


17. " 


E. M. D. Reynolds 


18. " 


Chs. A. Henderson 


19. " 


A. S. Nicholson, 



Maj. Gen. Comui'g Brigade. Wounded at 
Chapultepec. 
Major. A. A. G. 

" Aide-de-Camp. 

Vol. Aide-de-Camp. 



Died in November. 
Killed at Chapultepec. 
Lt. Col. 

Major. Wounded at Chapultepec. 
(I 

Captain. Wounded, Sept. 13. 

Wounded at Chapultepec. 
A ol. Aide-de-Camp. 

Captain. 



1st Lt. 



Wounded at Chapultepec. 



NEW YORK A'OLUNTEERS. 

1. Col. Ward B. Burnett, 

2. Lt. Col. Chs. Baxter, 

3. Major J. C. Burnham. 



Severely wounded at Churu- 
busco. 

Mortally wounded at Chapul- 
tepec. 



* OflScers of Marines not brevettcd, were disbanded by law at the expiration of the war. 
They have since been reinstated. Lieutenant E. T. Shubrick, U. S. N., accompanied the 
Marines on the march, and during the battles acted as volunteer aide-de-camp to General 
Shields. 



244 



APPENDIX. 



NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS. 



EEMAKKS. 



4. 


Captain C. H. S. Shaw. 


5. 




James Barclay. 


G. 




J. P. Taylor. 


7. 




D. P. Ilungerford. 


8. 




M. Fairchild. 


9. 




S. S. Gallagher. 


10. 




Chs. H. Pierson, 


11. 




Van O'Linda, 


12. 




G. Dykeman, 


13. 




J. F. Hutton. 


14. 


1st Lt 


. R. A. Carter. 


15. 




C. II. Sherwood. 


16. 




A. W. Taylor. 


17. 




C. H. Innis, 


18. 




C. H. Gallagher. 


19. 




Geo. B. ITall. 


20. 




James Miller. 


21. 




J. S. M'Cabe, 


22. 


2d Lt 


. Thos. W. Sweeny, 


23. 




Chs. D. Potter, 


24. 




Jacob Griffin. 


25. 




Addison Farnsworth 


26. 




Mayne Reid, 


27. 




C. B. Brower. 


28. 




Chs. S. Cooper, 


29. 




J. W. Henry. 


80. 




E. Chandler, 


31. 




F. G. Boyle. 


32. 




Jno. Rafferty. 


83. 




David Scannel. 


34. 




J. W. Grennel. 


35. 




Malahowsky. 


36. 




Francis Durning. 


37. 




W. H. Browne. 


38. 




F. E. Pinto. 



Mortally wounded at Chapul- 

tepec. 
Killed at Chapultcpec. 
Severely wounded at Churu- 
busco. 



Wounded at Belen. 



Wounded at Chapultepec. 
" Churubusco. 



Wounded at Chapultepec. 

Wounded at Churubusco. 

Mortally wounded at Churu- 
busco. 



LIST OF OFFICEKS. 



245 



SOUTH CAROLINA VOLUNTEERS. 

1. Col. P. M. Butler, 

2. Lt. Col. J. P. Dickinson, 



3. 


Major 


A. H. Gladden, 


4. 


Captain F. Sumter. 


5. 




E. G. M. Dunovant. 


6. 




K. S. Moffat, 


7. 




J. F. Marshall. 


8. 




W. Blanding. 


9. 




W. D. Desaussure. 


10. 




N. J. Walker. 


11. 




J. F. Williams. 


12. 




Adjutant James Canty, 


13. 


~R. Q. 


M. W. B. Stanley. 


14. 


A. C. 


S. J. D. Blanding. 


15. 


1st Lt 


. C. S. Mellet. 


16. 


i( 


J. F. Walker. 


17. 


" 


W. C. Moragne. 


18. 


" 


J. B. Moragne, 


19. 


(1 


A. Manegualt. 


20. 


" 


J. R. Clark, 


21. 


u 


A. B. 0. Bannon. 


22. 


a 


C. P. Pope. 


23. 


2dLt 


T. M. Baker. 


24. 


" 


S. Sumter, 


25. 


a 


W. B. Lilley.. 


26. 


" 


B. W. D. Culp. 


27. 


i( 


James W. Cantey, 


28. 


" 


K. G. Billings, 


29. 


a 


Jos. Abney, 


30. 


" 


David Adams, 


31. 


a 


L. F. Robertson. 


32. 


" 


Ralph Bell. 


33. 


(( 


J. R. Davis. 


34. 


n 


J. N. Moye. 


35. 


" 


J. W. Steen, 


36. 


" 


M. R. Clark, 



REMARKS. 

Killed at Churubusco. 
Mortally wounded at Churu- 
busco. 
Wounded at Belen. 



Wounded at Churubusco. 



Wounded at Churubiisco. 



Killed at Belen. 

Mortally wounded at Churu- 
busco. 



Wounded at Churubusco. 



Killed at Chapultepec. 
Wounded at Churubusco. 

Killed at Churubusco. 



Wounded at Belen. 

" Chapultepec. 



246 



APPENDIX. 



SOUTH CAROLINA VOLUNTEERS. 

37. 2d Lt. Charles Kirkhind. 

38. " W. R. Williams, 

39. " J. AV. Stewart. 

40. " F. W. Selleck, 



SECOND PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 

1. Colonel W. B. Roberts, 

2. Lt.-Col. John W. Geary, 

3. Major William Brindle. 

4. Captain Thomas S. Loeser. 

5. " John Humphries. 



REMARKS. 



6. 


" 


Clarence H. Frick. 


7. 


" 


Charles Naylor. 


8. 


" 


E. C. AVilliams. 


9. 


" 


Robert Porter. 


10. 


" 


James IMurray. 


11. 


" 


James Miller, 


12. 


" 


S. M. Taylor. 


13. 


" 


James Caldwell, 


14. 


Adjutant J. S. AVaterbury. 


15. 


R. Q. 


M. E. C. L. Clare. 


16. 


A. C. 


S. John C. Geven. 


17. 


1st Lt. Hiram Wolf. 


18. 


" 


Alexander M'Kamey 


19. 


<' 


AVilliam AVonders. 


20. 


" 


H. A. M. Filbert. 


21. 


" 


Richard M'Michael. 


22. 


2dLt 


. Samuel Black. 


28. 


(( 


Charles H. Heyer. 


24. 


(I 


Charles M'Dermitt. 


25. 


(( 


James Armstrong. 


26. 


C( 


James Coulter, 


27. 


" 


Isaac Hare. 


28. 


(( 


A. L. Tourison. 


29. 


It 


J. D. Unger. 


30. 


(1 


H. A. Hambright. 



Killed atChurubusco, Aug. 20. 

AA'ounded at garita of Belin, 
September 13. 



Died in City of Mexico, Oct. 3. 
Commanding Regiment. 



A\''ounded. 

Mortally wounded at Belen, 
Sejjtember 13th. 



AA'ounded. 



LIST OF OFFICERS. 



247 



SECOND PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 

31. 2d Lt. William Rankin. 
James Kane. 
William P. Skelly. 
L. W. Smith. 
D. N. Hoffins. 
J. Keefe, 
John A. Doyle. 
Charles Bowers, 



Wounded. 

Acted as Assistant Surgeon. 



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as to the value of the work : — 
We, the Subscribers, having examined the Comprehensive Commentary, issued 
from the press of Messrs. L. G. & Co., and highly approving its character, 
would cheerfully and confidently recommend it as containing more matter 
and more advantages than any other with which we are acquainted; and 
considering the expense incurred, and the excellent manner of its me- 
chanical e.xecution, we believe it to be one of the cheapest works ever issued 
from the press. We hope the publishers will be sustained by a liberal patron- 
age, in their expensive and useful undertaking. We should be pleased to 
learn that every family in the United States had procured a copy. 
B. B. WLSNER, D. D., Secretary of Am. Board of Com. for For. Missions. 
WM. COGSWELL, D.D., " " Education Society. 

JOHN CODMAN, D.D., Pastor of Congregational Church, Dorchester. 
Rev. HUBBARD WINSLOW, " " BowdoinSt. " 

Rev, SEWALL HARDING, Pastor of T. C. Church, Waltham. 
Rev. J. H. FAIRCHILD, Pastor of Cong. Church, South Boston. 
GARDINER SPRING, D. D., Pastor of Presb. Church, New Yorkcity. 
CYRUS MASON, D. D., " " " " " 

THOS. McAULEY, D. D., " " « " " 

JOHN WOODBRIDGE, D. D., " " " «' « 

THOS. DEWITT, D. D., " Dutch Ref. " " " 

E. W. BALDWIN, D.D., « " « " " 

Rev. J. M. McKREBS, " Presb. " " « 

Rev. ERSKINE MASON, " " " " « 

Rev. J. S. SPENCER, " " " Brooklyn. 

EZRA STILES ELY, D. D., Stated Clerk of Gen. Assem. of Presb. Church. 
JOHN McDowell, D. D., Permanent " " " " 

JOHN BRECKENRIDGE, Cor. Sec'y of Assembly's Board of Education. 
SAMUEL B. WYLIE, D. D., Pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. 
N. lord, D. D., President of Dartmouth College. 
JOSHUA BATES, D. D., " Middlebury " 
H. HUMPHREY, D.D., " Amherst " 

E. D. GRIFFIN, D. D., " Williamstown " 

J. WHEELER, D. D., " University of Vermont, at Burlington. 
J. M. MATTHEWS, D D., New York City University. 
GEO. E. PIERCE, D. D.," Western Reserve College, Ohio. 
Rev. DR. BROWN, " Jefferson College, Penn. 

LEONARD WOODS, D. D., Prof, of Theology. Andover S. 
THOS. H. SKINNER, D.D., « Sac. Rhet. " 
Rev. RALPH EMERSON, " Eccl. Hist. " 

Rev. JOEL PARKER, Pastor of Presb. Church, Neio Orleans. 
JOEL HAWES, D. D., " Cong. " Hartford, Conn. 
N. S. S.BEAMAN, D. D., " Presb. " Troy, N. Y. 
MARK TUCKER, D.D., " " " " « 

Rev. E. N. KIRK, " " " Albany," 

Rev. B. B. EDWARDS, Ed. of Quarterly Observer. 
Rev. STEPHEN MASON, Pastor 1st Cong. Church, Nantucket. 
Rev.ORIN FOWLER, " " " FallRiver. 

GEORGE W. BETHUNE, D.D., Pastor of the First Reformed Dutch Church. 
Rev. LYMAN BEECHER, D. D., Cincinnati, 0. 
Rev. C. D. MALLORY, Pastor Baptist Church, Augusta, Ga. 
Rev. S. M. NOEL, " " " Frankfort, Ky. 



From the Professors at Princeton Theological Seminary. 
The Comprehensive Commentary contains the whole of Henry's Exposi- 
tion in a condensed form, Scott's Practical Observations and Marginal Refer- 
ences, and a large number of very valuable philological and critical notes, 
selected from various authors. — The work appears to be executed with judg- 
ment, fidelity, and care; and will furnish a rich treasure of scriptural know- 
ledge to the Biblical student, and to the teachers of Sabbath Schools and 
Bible classes. A. ALEXANDER, D. D. 

SAMUEL MILLER, D. D. 



THE COMPANION TO THE BIBLE. 

In one super-royal volume. 

DESIGNED TO 

ACCOMPANY THE FAMILY BIBLE, OR HENRY'S, SCOTT'S, 
CLARKE'S, GILL'S, OR OTHER COMMENTARIES. 

CONTAINING 

1. A iieTT, full, and complete Concordance; 

Illustrated with monumental, traditional, and oriental engravings, founded on 
]?utterworth's, with Cruden's definitions ; forming, it is believed, on many ac- 
counts, a more valuable work than either Butterworth, Cruden, or any other 
similar book in the language. 

The value of a Concordance is now generally understood, and those who 
have used one, consider it indispensable in connection with the Bible. 

2. A ^ulde to tlie reading and study of the Bible ; 

being Carpenter's valuable Biblical Companion, lately published in London, 
containing a complete history of the Bible, and forming a most excellent intro- 
duction to its study. It embraces the evidences of Christianity, Jewish an- 
tiquities, manners, customs, arts, natural history, &c., of the Bible, with notes 
and engravings added. 

3. Complete Bio^rapliies of Henry, by Tfilllams; 

Scott, by bis son; Doddridge, by Orton; 

with sketches of the lives and characters, and notices of the works, of the 
writers on the Scriptures, who are quoted in the commentary, living and dead, 
American and foreign. 

This part of the volume not only affords a large quantity of interesting and 
useful reading for pious families, but will also be a source of gratification to 
all those who are in the habit of consulting the commentary, every one natu- 
rally feeling a desire to know some particulars of the lives and characters of 
those whose opinions he seeks. Appended to this part, will be a Bibliotheca 
Biblica, or list of the best works on the Bible, of all kinds, arranged under 
their appropriate heads. 

4. A complete Index of tlie Matter contained in 

the Bible Text. 
5. A Symbolical Dictionary. 

A very comprehensive and valuable Dictionary of Scripture symbols (occupy- 
ing about fifty-six closely printed pages), by Thomas Wemyss (author of 
" Biblical Gleanings," &c.) Comprising Daubuz, Lancaster, Hutcheson, &c. 

6. The iv'ork contains several other articles, 

indexes, tables, &c. &c., and is, 

'7. Illustrated by a larpre plan of Jerusalem, 

identifying, as far as tradition, &c., go, the original sites, drawn on the spot by 
F. Catherwood, of London, architect. Also, two steel engravings of portraits 
of seven foreign and eight American theological writers, and numerous wood 
engravings. 

The whole forms a desirable and necessary fund of instruction for the use 
not only of clergymen and Sabbath school teachers, but also for families. 
When the great amount of matter it must contain is considered, it will be 
deemed exceedingly cheap. 

" I have examined ' The Companion to the Bible,' and have been surprised 
to find so much information introduced into a volume of so moderate a size. 
It contains a library of sacred knowledge and criticism. It will be useful to 
ministers who own large libraries, and cannot fail to be an invaluable help to 
every reader of the Bible." HENRY MORRIS, 

Pastor of Cong. Church, Vt. 

The above work can be had in several styles of binding. Price 
varying from $1 75 to $5 00. 
4 



ILLUSTBATIOI^S OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, 

In one super-royal volume. 

DERIVED PRIfTCIPALLT FROM THE 

MANNERS, CUSTOMS, ANTIQUITIES, TRADITIONS, AND FORMS 

OF SPEECH, RITES, CLIMATE, WORKS OF ART, AND 

LITERATURE OF THE EASTERN NATIONS; 

Embndvinff all that is valuable in the wtirks of 

ROBERTS, HARMER, BURDER, PAXTON, CHANDLER, 

AND THE MOST CELEBRATED ORIENTAL IRAVELLERSj 

THE SUBJECT OF THe"fULFILMExNT OF PROPHECY, 

AS EXHIBITED BY KEITH AND OTHERS. 

With descriptions of the pi-esent state of countries and places 
mentioned in the Sacred Writings, 

niustrated by numerous landscape Engravings, 

FROM SKETCHES TAKEN ON THE SPOT. 

Edited by REV. GEORGE BUSH, 

Professor of Hebrew and Oriental literature in the New York City University. 

D^'The importance of this work must be obvious, and being altogether 
illustrative, without reference to doctrines, or other points in which Chris- 
tians differ, it is hoped it will meet with liivor from all who love the sacred 
volume, and that it will be sufficiently interestins; and attractive to recom- 
mend itself, not only to professed Christians of all denominations, but also to 
the general reader. The arrangement of the texts illustrated with the notes, 
in the order of the chapters and verses of the authorized version of the Bible, 
will render it convenient for reference to particular passages, while the co- 
pious Index at the end will at once enable the reader to turn to every subject 
discussed in the volume, 

2:5"T/h's volume is not designed to take the place of commentaries, but is a 
distinct department of Biblical instruction, and way be used as a companion to 
the Comprehensive or any other Commentary , or the Holy Bible. 

THE ENGRAVINGS 

in the volume, it is believed, will form no small part of its attractions. No 
pains have been spared to procure such as should embellish the work, and at 
the same time illustrate the text. Objections that have been made to the pic- 
tures commonly introduced into the Bible, as being mere creations of fancy 
and the imagination, often unlike nature, and frequently conveying false im- 
pressions, cannot be urged against the pictorial illustrations of this volume. 
Here the fine arts are made subservient to utility, the landscape views being, 
without an exception, matter of tact views of places mentioned in Scripture, 
as they appear at the present day; thus in many instances exhibiting in the 
most forcible manner to the eye, the strict and literal fulfilment of the remark- 
able prophecies; " the present ruined and desolate condition of the cities of 
Babylon, Nineveh, Selah, &c., and the countries of Edom and Egypt, are 
astonishing examples, and so completely exemplify, in the most minute par- 
ticulars, every thing which was foretold of them in the height of their pros- 
perity, that no better description can now be given of them than a simple 
quotation from a chapter and verse of the Bible written nearly two or three 
thousand years ago." The publishers are enabled to select from several col- 
lections lately published in London, the proprietor of one of which says, that 
" several distinguished travellers have afforded him the use of nearly Three 
Hundred Original Sketches'^ of Scripture places, made upon the spot. " The 
land of Palestine, it is well known, abounds in scenes of the most picturesque 
beauty. Syria comprehends the snowy heights of Lebanon, and the majestic 
ruins of Tadmor and Baalbec." 

The above work can be had in various styles of binding. 
Price from $1 75 to $5 00. 

* 5 



THE II.I.USTRATED COIVCORDATICE. 

In one vul. Royal 8vo. 

A new, full, and complete concordance ; illustrated witTi monumental, tra- 
ditional, and oriental engravings, founded on Butterworth's, with Cruden'a 
definitions; forming, it is believed, on many accounts, a more valuable work 
than either Butterworth, Cruden, or any other similar book in the language. 

The value of a concordance is now generally understood, and those who 
have used one, consider it indispensable in connection with the Bible. 

Some of the many advantages the illustrated concordance has over all the 
others, are, that it contains near 200 appropriate engravings : it is printed on 
fine white paper, with beautiful large type. 

Price One Dollar. 



ENCYCLOPiEDIA OF RELIGIOUS KNOWliEDGE ; 

OR, 

Dictionary of the Bible, Theology, Religious Biography, all Religions, Eccle- 
siastical History, and Missions; containing Definitions of all Religious 
Terms ; an impartial Account of the principal Christian Denominations that 
have existed in the World from the Birth of Christ to the present Day, with 
their Doctrines, Religious Rites and Ceremonies, as well as those of the 
Jews, Mohammedans, and Heathen Nations; together with the Manners 
and Customs of the East, illustrative of the Holy Scriptures, and a Descrip- 
tion of the Quadrupeds, Birds, Fishes, Reptiles, Insects, Trees, Plants, and 
Minerals mentioned in the Bible : a Statement of the most Remarkable 
Transactions and Events in Ecclesiastical History, Biographical Notices ot 
the early Martyrs and distinguished Religious Writers and Characters of all 
Ages. To which is added a Missionary Gazeteer, containing Descriptions 
of the various Missionary Stations throughout the Globe; by Rev. B. B. 
Edwards, Editor of Quarterly Observer. The whole brought down to the 
present time, and embracing, under one Alphabet, the most valuable part 
of Calmet's and Brown's Dictionaries of the Bible ; Buck's Theol. Diction- 
ary ; Abbott's Scripture Natural History ; Wells' Geography of the Bible ; 
Jones' Christian Biography; and numerous other similar Works. De- 
signed as a complete Book of Reference on all Religious Subjects, and 
Companion to the Bible ; forming a cheap and compact Library of Religious 
Knowledge. Edited by Rev. J. Newton Brown. Illustrated by Wood Cats, 
Maps, and Engravings on Copper and Steel. 

In One Vol. Royal 8vo. Price $4 00. 

LIPPINCOrrS EDITION OF 

THE OXFORD QUARTO BIBLE. 

The publishers have spared neither care nor expense in their edition of the 
Bible; it is printed on the finest white vellum paper, with large and beauti- 
ful type, and bound in the most substantial and splendid manner, in the fol- 
lowing styles : Velvet, with richly gilt ornaments; Turkey super extra, with 
gilt clasps ; and in numerous others, to suit the taste of the most fastidious. 
OPIXIONS OF THE J*KESS. 

" In our opinion, the Christian public generally will feel under great obli- 
gations to the publishers of this work for the beautiful taste, arrangement, and 
delicate neatness with which they have got it out. The intrinsic merit of the 
Bible recommends itself; it needs no tinsel ornament to adorn its sacred 
pages. In this edition every superfluous appendage has been avoided, and 
we have presented us a perfectly chaste specimen of the Bible without note 
or comment. It appears to be just what is needed in every family, ' the un- 
sophisticated word of God.' 

" The size is quarto, printed with beautifiil type, on white, sized vellum 
paper of the finest texture, and most beautiful surface. The publishers seem 
to have been solicitous to make a perfectly unique book, and they have ac- 
complished the object very successfully. We trust that a liberal community 



will afford them ample remuneration for all the expense and outlay they have 
necessarily incurred in its publication. It is a standard Bible. 

" The publishers are Messrs. Lippincott, Grambo & Co., No. 14 North 
Fourth Street, Philadelphia." — Bapt. Record, 

" A beautiful quarto edition of the Bible, by L. G. & Co. Nothing can 
exceed tlie type in clearness and beauty ; the paper is of the finest texture; 
and the whole execution is exceedingly neat. No illustrations or ornamental 
type are used. Those who prefer a Bible executed in perfect simplicity, 
yet elegance of style, without adornment, will probably never find one more 
to their taste." — M. Magazine. 



LIPPINC'OTT'8 EDITION OF 

BAGSTER'S COMPREHENSIVE BIBLE. 

In order to develop the peculiar nature of the Comprehensive Bible, it will 
only be necessary to embrace its more prominent features. 

1st. The Sacred Text is that of the Authorized Version, and is printed 
from the edition corrected and improved by Dr. Blaney, which, from its accu- 
racy, is considered the Standard Edition. 

2d. The Various Readings are faithfully printed from the edition of Dr. 
Blaney, inclusive of the translation of the Proper Names, without the addition 
or diminution of one. 

3d. In the Chronology great care has been taken to fix the date of the par- 
ticular transactions, which has seldom been done with any degree of exactness 
in any former edition of the Bible. 

4th. The Notes are exclusively philological and explanatory, and are not 
tinctured with sentiments of any sect or party. They are selected from the 
most eminent Biblical critics and commentators. 

It is hoped that this edition of the Holy Bible will be found to contain the 
essence of Biblical research and criticism, that lies dispersed through an im- 
mense number of volumes. 

Such is the nature and design of this edition of the Sacred Volume, which, 
from the various objects it embraces, the freedom of its pages from all sectarian 
peculiarities, and the beauty, plainness, and correctness of the typography, 
that it cannot fail of proving acceptable and useful to Christians of every de- 
nomination. 

In addition to the usual references to parallel passages, which are quite full 
and numerous, the student has all the marginal readings, together with a rich 
selection of Philological, Critical, Historical, Geographical, and other valua- 
ble notes and remarks, which explain and illustrate the sacred text. Besides 
the general introduction, containing valuable essays on the genuineness, au- 
thenticity, and inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, and other topics of interest, 
there are introductory and concluding remarks to each book — a table of the 
contents of the Bible, by which the different portions are so arranged as to 
read in an historical order. 

Arranged at the top of each page is the period in which the prominent events 
of sacred history took place. The calculations are made for the year of the 
world before and after Christ — Julian period. The year of the Olympiad — the 
year of the building of Rome, and other notations of time. At the close is 
inserted a chronological index of the Bible, according to the computation of 
Archbishop Usher. Also, a full and valuable index of the subjects contained 
in the Old and New Testaments, with a careful analysis and arrangement of 
texts under their appropriate subjects. 

Mr. Greenfield, the editor of this work, and for some time previous to his 
death the superintendent of the editorial department of the British and Foreign 
Bible Society, was a most extraordinary man. In editing the Comprehensive 
Bible, his varied and extensive learning was called into successful exercise, 
and appears in happy combination with sincere piety and a sound judgment. 
The Editor of the Christian Observer, alluding to this work, in an obituary 
notice of its author, speaks of it as a work of" prodigious labor and research, 
at once exhibiting his varied talents and profound erudition." 

7 



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BAGSTER'S COMPREHEIVSIVE BIBLE, 

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tures ; Introductory and concluding remarks to each book; philological and 
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of clergymen, Sabbath school teachers, and students. 

In neat plain binding, ... - - from $4 00 to $5 00 

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THE DIAMOND EDITION OF BYROM. 

The Poetical Works of Lord Byron, with a sketch of his life, complete, in 
one neat duodecimo volume, with steel plates. The type of this edition is so 
perfect, and it is printed with so much care on fine white paper, that it can 
be read with as much ease as most of the larger editions. This work is to be 
had in plain and superb binding, making a beautiful volume for a gift. 

" The Poetical Works of Lord Byron — complete in one volume — published 
by L. G. <5- Co., Philadelphia. <' We hazard nothing in saying that, take it alto- 
gether, this is the most elegant work ever issued from the American press. 

"'In a single volume, not larger than an ordinary duodecimo, the pub- 
lishers have embraced the whole of Lord Byron's Poems, usually printed in 

10 



ten or twelve volumes, and, what is more remarkable, have done it with a 
type so clear and distinct, that, notwithstanding its necessarily small size, it 
may be read with the utmost facility even by failing eyes. The book is ster- 
eotyped, and never have we seen a finer specimen of that art. Everything 
about it is perfect — the paper, the printing, tiie binding, all correspond with 
each other; and it is embellished with two fine engravings, well worthy the 
companionship in which they are placed. 

" ' This will make a beautiful Christmas present.' 

" We extract the above from Godey's Lady's Book. The notice itself, we 
are given to understand, is written by Mrs. Hale. 

" We have to add our commendation in favor of this beautiful volume, a 
copy of vvhich has been sent us by the publisher. The admirers of the noble 
bard will feel obliged to the enterprise which has prompted the publishers to 
dare a competition with the numerous editions of his works already in circu- 
lation; and we shall be surprised if this conven'ent travelling edition does 
not in a great degree supersede the use of the large octavo works which have 
little advantage in size and openness of type, and are much inferior in the 
qualities of portability and lightness. — Intelligencer, 



THE DIAMOND EDITION OF MOORE. 

(Corresponding with Byron.) 

The Poetical Works of Thomas Moore, collected by himself, complete in 
one volume. 

This work is published uniform with Byron, from the last London edition, 
and is the most complete printed in the country. 

DIAMOND BYRON. The Poetical Works of Lord Byron, complete 
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cloth, $1 25 
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Life, cloth, 1 25 

library style, 1 50 

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THE POETICAL WORKS OF SHAKSPEARE. Complete in one 

volume, including a Sketch of his Life, cloth, 125 

library style, 1 50 
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English Turkey, 2 00 
Turkey, super extra, 2 50 
POEMS OF THE PLEASURES ; consisting of the Pleasures of 
Imagination by Akenside; the Pleasures of Memory, by Samuel 
Rogers ; the Pleasures of Hope, by Campbell ; and the Pleasures of 
Friendship, by McHenry. With a Memoir of each author, pre- 
pared expressly for this work, muslin, 37 

English Turkey, gilt edges, 75 

Turkey, super extra, 1 00 
MANUAL OF POLITENESS, comprising the Principles of Etiquette, 
and Rules of Behavior in Genteel Society, for persons of both sexes, 

muslin, 25 

English Turkey, gilt edges, 62 

Turkey, super extra, 1 00 
11 



THE ANTEDILUVIANS, or the World Destroyed ; .a Narrative 

Poem, in Ten Books, by James McHenry, M. D. cloth, 75 

THE YOUNG DOMINICAN. With numerous Illustrations. 

fancy muslin, 

MOODY'S BOOK-KEEPING. A Practical Plan of BookKeeping, 
by Double Entry, adapted to a large or small business, with or with- 
out cash or other auxiliary books, to Daily Journal and Ledger. 
Designed to simplify and very materially abridge the labor and time 
usually required in book-keeping, and the liability to mistakes. 
By Paul Moody. 75 

THE YOUNG CHORISTER, a Collection of New and beautiful 
Tunes, adapted to the use of Sabbath Schools, from some of the 
most distinguished composers; together with many of the author's 
compositions. Edited by Minard W. Wilson. 38 

ROBOTHAM'S POCKET FRENCH DICTIONARY, carefully re- 
vised, and the pronunciation of all the difficult words added, roan, 37 

Arabesque, 75 

Turkey, 1 00 

THE CLERGY OF AMERICA: consisting of Anecdotes illustrative 
of the Character of Ministers of Religion in the United States. 
By Joseph Belcher, D. D., Editor of " The Complete Works of 
Andrew Fuller," "Robert Hall," &c. &c. cloth, 100 

"This very interestinar and instructive collection of pleasing and solemn remem- 
brances of many pious men. illustrates the character of the day in which they lived, 
and defines the men more clearly than very elaborate essays ''^—Baltimore American. 

•' We regard the collection as highly interesting, and judiciously made."— Presfty- 
terian. 



A BEAUTIFUL AND VALUABLE PRESENTATION BOOK. 

THE POET'S OFFERING. 

EDITED BY MRS. HALE. 

With a Portrait of the Editress, a Splendid Illuminated Title Page, and Twelve 

Beautifnl Engravings by Sartain. 

BOUND IN RICH TURKEY MOROCCO, AND EXTRA CLOTH, GILT EDGES. 

To those who wish to make a present that will never lose its value, this 
will be found the most desirable Gift Book ever published. 

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 

" We commend it to all who desire to present a friend with a volume not only very 
beautiful, but of solid intrinsic value."— Washington Union. 

"A perfect treasury of the thoughts and fancies of the best English and American 
Poets. The paper and priming are beautiful, and the binding rich, elegant, and sub- 
stantial ; the most sensible aud attractive of all the elegant Gift books we have 
seen "— Evening Bulletin. 

" It contains the choicest specimens of British and American Literature arranged 
under their appropriate heads, so that the appearances of nature, the feelings, pas- 
sions, pursuits of life, all have their separate place, thus enabling the most eminent 
Poets to speak as it were in their best manner and on their favorite theme. It will 
meet with a larger sale than any other Gift book published."— Germantoiore Telegraph. 

"The publishers deserve the thanks of the public for so happy a thought, so well 
executed. The engravings are by the Ivesl artists, and the other portions of the work 
corrciipond in elegance."— P»t/ic Ledger. 

" A more appropriate or valuable Holiday Gift has not yet appeared." — Pa. Inquirer. 

"Tliere is no book of selections so diversified and appropriate, within our know- 
ledge."— Pentisylvanian. 

"It is one of the most valuable as well as elegant books ever published in this 
country." — Godey's Lady's Book. 

'•Mrs. Hale in this work has fulfilled the highest requisition laid upon modern ge- 
nius and taste. The extracts are almost numberless— and yel we cannot discover one 
which does not possess some special beauty. 

"It is the most beautiful and the most useful offering ever bestowed on the public. 

" Whatever you purchase, ebtain the ' Poet's Offering.' No individual of literary 
lasle will venture to be without it."— T/ie City Item. 

12 



VALUABLE AND POPULAR BOOKS, 

Particularly Suitable for Family Libraries. 

PUBLISHED BY LIPPINCOTT, GRAMBO & CO.. 
SUCCESSORS TO GRIGG, ELLIOT &, CO. 
I¥o. 14 Mortli FourtBi Street, PMIadelpliJa. 

AND FOR SALE BY BOOKSELLERS AND COUNTRY MERCHANTS GENE 
RALLY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



*« Educated MIND is a Nation^s wealth, and promotes the happiness of mankind." 

FARMERS, LOOK TO YOUR INTERESTS! 

The following BooIjs are particularly adapted for a Farmer's Library. 

ONE DOLLAR 

Once expended in useful precaution may save you 
Hundreds of Dollars absolute Losses every Year. 

It is a fact too clearly estalDlished to admit of doubt or disputation, 
that in the animal kingdom as in the human family, multitudes of 
lives and consequent losses of property, are occasioned by 

Ignorance of tliose sisnple resnedies "^vMcli are 
ivitliin tSte reach of every one. 

How important, therefore, that every 

FARMER 

should be possessed of that knowledge, without which 

Neither Life nor Property is exempt from danger. 

As Works of unparalleled value in this respect, the Publishers would respect- 
fully call the attention of the 

FARMIMG AND STOCK RAISmCJ GOrfimJNITY 

TO THE FOLLOWING BOOKS : 



Mason's Farrier and Stud Book— New Edition. 



THE GENTLEMAN'S NEW POCKET FARRIER: 

COMPKISIN'G A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE NOBLE AND USEFUL ANIMAL, 

THIS HORSiO; 

With modes of management in all cases, and treatment in disease. 

BY RICHARD MASON, M.D., 

Formerly of Surry County, Virginia. 

TO "WHICH IS ADDED, A PRIZE ESSAY ON MUIiESj 

An Appendix, containing Recipes for Diseases of Horses, Oxen, Cows, Calves, Sheep, 

Dogs, Svvuie, etc. etc., with annals of the Turf, American Stud Book, 

Rules for Training, Racing, etc. 

WITH A SUPPLEMENT: 
Comprising an Essay on Domestic Animals, especially the Horse; with Remarks on 
Treatment and Breeding; together with Trotting and Racing Tables, showing the 
best time on record, at one, two, three and lour mile heats; Pedigrees of Winning 
Horses, since 1^.39; and of the most celel)rated Stallions and Mares ; with Useful 
Calving and LamlnngTables, &c. &c. BY J. S. SKINNER, Editor now of the Far- 
mer's Library, New York; Founder of the American Farmer, in 1619 , and of the Turf 
Register and Sporting Alagazine, in 1&'29 ; being the first Agricultural and the first 
Sporting Periodicals established in the United Slates. 

A 1 



Hinds' Farriery and Stud-Book — New Edition. 

FARRIERY, 

TAUGHT ON A NEW AND EASY PLAN, 

BEING A TREATISE OX THE 

DISEASES AND ACCIDENTS OF THE HORSE ; 

WITH 

Iiislruclions to the Shoeing Smith. Farrier, and Groom, preceded by a Popular Descrip- 

lioii of the Ajiimal Functions in Health. hikI how these are to 

1)6 resioreii when disordered. 

BY JOHN HINDS, Veterinary Surgeon. 

With considerable Additions and Improvements, particularly adapted to this Country 

liY THOMAS M. SMITH, 

Veterinary Surgeon, and Member of the London Veterinary Medical Society. 
WITH A SUPPLEMENT: 

COMrRISING 

An Essay on Domestic Animals, especially the Horse ; with Remarks on Treatment and 

Breeding; together with Trolling and RacingTables, showingihe best time on 

Record, at one, two, three, and tour mile heats; pedigrees of Winning 

Horses, since 1S;39; and of the most celebrated Slallions and 

Mares: with Useful Calving and Lambing 

Tables, &C.&C. 

BY J. S. SKINNER, 

Editor now of the Farmer's Library, New Yorlc ; Founder of the American Farmer, in 

lbl9j and of the Turf Register and ^porting Magazine, in 1S29: being the first 

Agricultural and the first Sporting Periodicals established in the 

United States. 

The publishers have received kumekous elattering notices of the great 
practical value of these works. The distinguished editor of the American Far- 
mer, speaking of them, observes — "We cannot too highly recommend these 
books, and therefore advise every owner of a horse to obtain theni." 

" There are receipts in those books that show how Founder may be cured, 
and the traveler pursue his journey the next day, by giving a tablespoonful of 
alum. This was got from Dr. P. Thornton, of Montpeiier, Rappahannock 
County, Virginia, as founded on his own observation in several cases." 

" The constant demand for Mason and Hinds' Farrier, has induced the 
publishers, Messrs. Grigg, Elliot & Co. to put forth new editions with a ' Sup- 
plement' of 100 pages, by .T. S. Skinner, Esq. We should have sought to 
render an acceptable service to our agricuilura! readers, by giving a chapter 
from the Supplement, ' On the relations between Man and the Domestic Ani- 
mals — especially the Horse — and the obligations they impose ;' or the one on 
' The Form of Animals,' — but that either one of them would overrun the space 
here allotted to such subjects." 

*' LIST OF MEDICINES, 
And other articles which ought to be at hand about every training and livery 

stable, and every Farmer's and breeder's establishment, will be found in 

these valuable works." 



RUSOHEKTBERGER'S NATURAL HISTORY. 

In Two Beautiful Volumes worthy of the highest commendation. 

They embrace elements of Anaiomy and I'hysiology, Mammalogy. Ornaliology, Hcr- 
petology, Conchology, Entomology, Poiany and Geology, each ol whicli Divisions of 
Science is Irtated of in the mo^t masterly yel saiiple manner, on the basis of a set of 
works ordered and approved by the Royal Council of Public Instruction in France. 

The author has done his work well, and is liighly complimented by the most distin- 
guished scholars in the country. The work is .-i tcxi-hook in the Philadelphia High 
Scliool. It is splendidly illustraied, atul parents could not do belter than to present their 
cliildren with this book in preference to those of a more trivial character, combining as 
It does amusement with important instruction. Any one of the woiks may be had 
separately. 



BIGLAND'S NATURAL HISTORY 

Of Animais, Birds, Fishes, Reptiles and Insects, illustrated with numerous and 
beautiful engravings. By JOHN BIGLAND, author of a " View of the 
World," " Letters on Universal History," &c. Complete in 1 vol. 12mo. 

This work is particularly adapted for the use of Schools and Families, forming the most 
elegantly written and complete work on the sulijec* of Natural History ever published, 
and is worthy of the special attention of the teachers of all our schools and academies. 



GOIiBSMITM'^ AMIMATEB MATURE. • 

IN TWO VOLS. OCTAVO. 

Beautifully Illustrated with 385 Plates. 

" Goldsmith can never be made obsolete while delicate genius, exquisite feel- 
ing, fine invention, the most harmonious metre, and the happiest diction are at 
all valued." 

This is a work that should be in the library of every family, being written by 
one of the most talented authors in the English language. 

McMAHON'S AMERICAN GARDENER. 

NINTH EDITION, MUCH IMPROVED. 
In one volume, octavo. 
This is an invaluable work to all who wish to obtain any information on the 
subject of Gardening in all its various branches. 



CEABIBERS' IKFOIUIATION FOE THE PEOPLE! 

POPULAE ENCYCLOPJIDIA: 

EMBRACING ALL THE BRANCHES OF GENEKAL KNOWLKDGE NECESSARY TO CONSTITUTE 

A WELL INFORMED MAN. 

Altogether, 1700 Imperial Octavo Pages, Two Large Volumes of 850 Pages each. 
5)5" This work should find a place in every Family Library. 



SPLENDID LIBRARY EBITIOHS. 

ILIiUlSTRATE® STAMBAf^® F®ETS. 

Elegantly Printed and Umform in Size and Style. 

The following editions of Standard British Poets are illustrated with numerous 
steel engravings, and may be had in ail varieties of binding. 

BYRON'S WORKS. 

Complete in 1 Vci. Octavo. 

Including all his Suppressed and Altribuied Poems; with 6 beautiful 

engravinjjs. 

lU" This edition has been carefully compared with the recent London edition of Mr. 
Murray, and made complete by the addition of more than fifty pa^es of poems hereto- 
fore unpublished in England. Among these there are a number that have never appear- 
ed in any American edition; and the publishers believe they are warranted in saying, 
that this is tlie most complete edition of Lord Byron's Poetical Works ever published in 
the United Slates. 

3 



GOWFER AND THOMSON'S PROSE AND POETICAL WORKS. 

Complete io 1 Vol. Octavo, 

Including two hundred and fifty Letters, and sundry Poetns of Oowper, never before 

published in this country ; and of Thomson a new and interesting Memoir, 

and upwards of twenty new I'oems, for the first time printed Irom hia 

own Manuscripts, taken from a late edition of the Aldine Poets 

now publishing in London. 

The distinguished Professor Sillinian, speaking of this ediiion, observes, "I am as 
much gratified by the elegance and fine taste ol your edition as by the noble tribute 
of genius and moral excellence which these delightful authors have left for nil future 
generations; and Cowper, especially, is not less conspicuous as a true Christian, moral- 
ist and teacher, than as a poet of great power and exquisite taste." 



THE POETICAL WORKS OF MRS. HEISANS. 

Complete in 1 Vol. 8vo.; with 7 beautiful Engravings. 

^y This is a new and complete edition, with a splendid engraved likeness of Mrs. 
Hemans on steel, and contains all the poems in the last London and American editions. 
With a Critical Preface by ]\lr. Thatcher, of Boston. 

"As no work in the English language can be commended with more confidence, it will 
argue bad taste in a female in this country to be without a complete edition of the writ- 
ings of one who was an honor to her sex and to humanity, and whose iiroductions, from 
first to last, contain no syllable calculated to call a blush to the cheek of modesty and 
virtue. There is, moreover, in Mrs. Hemans' poetry a moral purity, and a religious 
feeling, which commend it, in an especial manner, to the discriminating reader. No 
parent or guardian will be under the necessity of imposing restrictions with regard to 
the free perusal of every production emanating from this gifted woman. There breathes 
throughout the whole a most eminent exemption from impropriety of thought or diction; 
and there is at times a pensivenessof tone, a winning sadness in her more serious com- 
positions, which tells of a soul which has been lifted from the contemplation of terres- 
trial things, to divine communings with beings of a purer world." 



THE POETICAL WORKS OF ROGERS, CAMPBELL, MONTGOMERY, LAMB, 
AND KIRK WHITE. 

Complete in 1 Vol. 8vo.; with 6 beautiful engravings. 
55" The beauty, correctness and convenience of this favorite edition of these 
standard authors are so well known, that it is scarcely necessary to add a word 
in its favor. It is only necessary to say, that the publishers have now issued an 
illustrated edition, which greatly enhances its former value. The engravings 
are excellent and well selected. It is the best library edition extant. 



MILTON, YOUNG, GRAY, BEATTIE, AND COLLINS' 
POETICAL WORKS. 

Complete in 1 Vol. 8vo.; with 6 beautiful engravings. 



HEBER, POLLOK, AND CRABBE'S POETICAL WORKS. 

Complete in 1 Vol. Svo.; with 6 beautiful engravings. 

A writer in the Boston Traveller holds the following language with reterence to these 
valuable editions: — 

Mt. Editor— I wish, without any idea of puffing, to say a word or two upon the " Li- 
brary of English Poets" that is now publislied at Philadelphia, by Grigg & Elliot; it is 
certainly, taking into consideration the elegant manner in which it is printed, and the 
reasonable price at which it is afforded to purchasers, the best edition of the modern 
British Poets that has ever been published in this country. Each volume is an octavo 
of about 500 pages, double columns, stereotyped, and accompanied with fine engravings, 
and biographical sketches, and most of them are reprinted trorn Galignani's French 
edition. As to its value we need only mention that it contains the entire works of Mont- 
gomery, Gray, Beattie, Collins, Byron, Cowper, Thomson. Milton, Young, Rogers, Camp- 
bell. Lamb, Hemans, Heber. Kirk White, Crabbe, the Miscellaneous Works of Gold- 
smith, and other martyrs of the lyre. The publishers are doing a great service by their 
publication, and their volumes are almost in as great demand as the fashionable novels 
of the day. and they deserve to be so, lor they are certainly printed in a style superior to 
that in which we liave before had the works of the English Poets." 

No library can be considKred complete without a copy of the above beautiful and 
cheap editions of the English Poets, and persons ordering all or any of them will please 
Bay Grigg. Elliot &. Co 'slllustrated editions. 

4 



JOSEPHUS'S (FLAVmS) WORKS. 

GRIGG, ELLIOT & CO.'S FAMILY EDITION. 
By THE LATE WILLIAM WHISTON, A.M. 

FROM THE LAST LONDON EDITION, COMPLETE. 
One Vol., Beautifully Hiustrated \*ltli Steel Plates, 

And the only readable edition published in this country. 

As a matter of course, every family in our country has a copy of the Holy 
Bible — and as the presumption is, the greater portion often consult its pages, we 
take the liberty of saying to all those that do, that the perusal of the writings ol 
Josephus will be found very interesting and instructive. 

All those who wish to possess a beautiful and correct copy of this valuable 
work, would do well to purchase this edition. It is for sale at all the principal 
bookstores in the United States, by country merchants generally in the Southern 
and Western States. 



Say's Political Economy. 

A TREATISE ON POLITICAL ECONOMY, 

OR THE 

Production, Distribution, and Consumption of Wealth, 
BY JEAN BAPTISTE SAY. 

FIFTH AMERICAN EDITION, WITH ADDITIONAL NOTES, 

BY C. C. BIDDLE, ESQ., 

Tn One Volume, Octavo- 

It would be beneficial to our country if all those who are aspiring to office, 
were required by their constituents to be conversant with the pages of Say. 

The distinguished biographer of the author, in noticing this work, observes, 
" Happily for science he commenced that study which forms the basis of his ad- 
mirable treatise on Political Economy, a work which not only improved under 
his hand with every successive edition, but has been translated into most of the 
European languages." 

The editor of the North American Review, speaking of Say, observes, that 
" he is the most popular, and perhaps the most able writer on Political Economy, 
since the time of Smith." 



BEIV^ETT'S (Rev. Jolin) 

LETTERS TO A YOUNG LADY, 

ON A VARIETY OF SUBJECTS CALCULATED TO IMPROVE THE 
HEART, TO FORM THE MANNERS, AND ENLIGHTEN 

THE UNDERSTANDING. 

"That our Daughters maybe as polished corners of the Temple." 

The publishers sincerely hope, {for the happiness of mankind ,) that a copy o( 

this valuable little work will be found the companion of every young lady, aa 

much of the happiness of every family depends on the proper cultivation of the 

female mind. 



THE DAUGHTER'S OWN BOOK. 

OR, PRACTICAL HINTS FROM A FATHER TO HIS DAUGHTER. 

ONE VOLUME ISjMO. 

This is one of the most practical and truly valuable treatises on the culture 
and discipline of the female mind, which has hitherto been published in this 
country, and the publishers are very confident, from the great demand for this 
invaluable little work, that ere long it will be found in the library of every 
voung lady. 

A* 5 



LAURENCE STERNE'S WORKS, 

WITH A LIFE OF THE AUTHOR, WRITTEN BY HIMSELF, 

"With 7 Beautiful Illustrations, engraved by Gilbert and Gilion, 

from Designs by Darley. 

ONE VOLUME OCTAVO, CLOTH GILT. 

To commend, or to criticise Sterne's works, in this age of the world, would 
be all " wasteful and extravagant excess." Uncle Toby — Corporal Trim — The 
Widow — Le Fevre — Poor Maria — The Captive — even the Dead Ass, — this is all 
■we have to say of Sterne ; and in the memory of these characters, histories and 
sketches, a thousand follies and worse than follies are forgotten. Tlic volume 
is a very handsome one. 



BOOK OF POLITENESS. 

THE GENTLEMAN AND LADY'S 

BOOK OF POLITENESS AND PROPRIETY OF DEPORTMENT. 

DEDICATED TO THE YOUTH OF BOTH SEXES. 

BY MADAME CELNART. 
Translated from the Sixth Paris edition, enlarged and improved. 

Fifth American Edition. 1 VoL 18mo. 



A Dictionary of 

SEIiECT AW® FOPUI.AR QUOTATIOI¥S, 

WHICH ARE IN DAILY USE: 

TAKEN FROM THE LATIN, FRENCH, GREEK, SPANISH AND 
ITALIAN LANGUAGES ; 

TOGETHER WITH A COPIOUS COLLECTION OF LAW MAXIMS AND LAW TERMS 

Translated into English, with illustrations, Historical and Idiomatic. 

New American edition, corrected with additions. 

One Vol. 12mo. 

This volume comprises a copious collection of legal and other terms, which 
are in common use, with English translations and Historical Illustrations, and 
we should judge its author had surely been to a great " Feast of Languages," 
and stole all the scraps. A work of this character should have an extensive 
sale, as it entirely obviates a serious difficulty iu which most readers are involved 
by the frequent occurrence of Latin, Greek, and French passages, which we 
suppose are introduced by authors for a mere show of learning — a difficulty very 
perplexing to readers in general. This " Dictionary of Quotations," concerning 
which too much cannot be said in its favor, effectually removes the difficulty, 
and gives the reader an advantage over the author, for we believe a majority 
are themselves ignorant of the meaning of the terms they employ — very few 
truly learned authors will insult their readers by introducing Latin or French 
quotations in their writings when " Plain English" is just as good ; but we will 
not enlarge on this point. 

If the book is useful to those unacquainted with other languages, it is no less 
valuable to the classically educated as a book of reference, and answers all the 
purposes of a Lexicon — indeed, on many accounts, it is better. It saves the 
trouble of tumbling over the larger volumes, to wliich every one, and especially 
those engaged in the Legal Profession, are very often subjected. It should 
have a place in every library in the country. 

6 



THE AMERICAN CHESTERFIELD; 
Or, "Youth's Guide to the Way to Wealth, Honor, and Dis- 
tinction," &c. 18mo. 

CONTAINING ALSO A COMPLETE TREATISE ON THE ART OF CARVING. 

" We most cordially recommend the American Chesterfield to general atten- 
tion ; but to young persons particularly, as one of the best works of the kind 
that has ever been published in this country. It cannot be too highly appre- 
ciated, nor its perusal be unproductive of satisfaction and usefulness." 



SENECA'S MORALS. 

BY WAY OF ABSTRACT TO WHICH IS ADDED, A DISCOURSE UN- 
DER THE TITLE OF AN AFTER-THOUGHT. 

By Sir Ro^er li'Estraiige, Kiit. 

A New Fine Edition, One Volume, 18mo. 

A copy of this valuable little work should be found in every family library. 



BURDER'S VILLAGE SERMONS. 
©r, 101 

PLAIN m SHORT DISCOURSES ON THE PRINCIPAL DOCTRINES OF THE 

GOSPEL; 

INTENDED FOR THE USE OF FAMILIES, SUNDAY SCHOOLS, OR COMPANIES ASSEMBLED 
FOR RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION IN COUNTRY VILLAGES. 

BY GEORGE BURDER. 

To which is added to each Sermon, a Short Prayer, with some General 
Prayers for Families, Schools, &c., at the end of the work. 
Complete in One Volume, Octavo. 
These sermons, which are characterized by a beautiful simplicity, the entire 
absence of controversy, and a true evangelical spirit, have gone through many 
and large editions, and been translated into several of the continental languages, 
" They have also been the honored means not only of converting many indivi- 
duals, but also of introducing the Gospel into districts, and even into parish 
churches, where before it was comparatively unknown." 
" This work fully deserves the immortality it has attained." 
This is a fine library edition of this invaluable work, and when we say that it 
should be found in the possession of every family, we only reiterate the senti- 
ments and sincere wishes of all who take a deep interest in the eternal welfare 
of mankind. 



New Song Book. 

Grigg's Southern and Western Songster; 

BEING A 

CHOICE COLLECTION OF THE MOST FASHIONABLE SONGS, 

MANY OF WHICH ARE ORIGINAL. 

In One Vol. \Smo. 

Great care was taken in the selection, to admit no song that contained, in the 

slightest degree, any indelicate or improper allusions, and with great propriety 

it may claim the title of "The Parlor Song Book or Songster." The immortal 

Shakspeare observes — 

" The man that hath not music in himself, 
Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds. 
Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils." 

7 



Family Prayers and H3nnns 

ADAPTED TO FAMILY WORSHIP, AND TABLES FOR THE 
REGULAR READING OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
BY REV. S. C. WINCHESTER, A. M., 
Late Pastor of the Sixth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia; and the Presbyte- 
rian Church at Natchez, Miss. 
One 'yotume, lUino. 



THE WESTERN MERCHANT. 

A NARRATIVE 

CONTAINING USEFUL INSTRUCTION FOR THE WESTERN MAN OF 
BUSINESS, WHO MAKES HIS PURCHASES IN THE EAST ; 

ALSO, 

INFORMATION FOR THE EASTERN MAN WHOSE CUSTOMERS 
ARE IN THE WEST: LIKEWISE HINTS FOR THOSE WHO 
DESIGN EMIGRATINCi TO THE WEST: DEDUCED 
FROM ACTUAL EXPERIENCE. 

BY LUKE SHORTFIELD, A Western Merchant 

In One Volume, 12mo. 

This is a new work and will be found very interesting to the Country 
Merchant, &c. &c. 

A sprighily, pleasant book, with a vast amount of information in a very agreeable 
shape. Business, Love and Religion are all discussed, and many proper sentiments ex- 
pressed in regard to each. The " moral" of the work is summed up in the following con- 
cluding sentences: "Adhere steadfastly to your business; adhere steadfastly to your 
first love; adhere steadfastly to the church." 



To Carpenters and Mechanics. 

Jttst Published. 

A NEW AND IMPROVED EDITION OF THE 

CARPENTER'S NEW GUIDE, 

BEING A COMPLETE BOOK OF LINES FOR 

CARPENTRY AND JOINERY, 

Treating fully on Practical Geometry, Saffit's Brick and Plaster Groins, Niches of every 

description, Sky-Lights, Lines lor Roofs and Domes, with a great variety of Designs 

for Rools, Trussed Girders, Floors, Domes, Bridges, &c., Angle Bars for Shop 

Fronts, &c., and Raking Mouldings. 

Additional Plans for various Stair-Cases, with the Lines for producing the Face and Fall- 
ing Moulds, never before pulilished, and greatly superior to those given in 
a former edition of this work. 

BY WILLIAM JOHNSON, 

ARCHITECT, OF PHILADELPnlA. 

THE WHOLE FOUNDED ON TRUE GEOMETRICAL PRINCIPLES; 
THE THEORY AND PRACTICE 

Well explained and lully exemplified, on eighty-three Copper Plates, including sora 
Observations and Calculations on the Strength of Timber. 

BY PETER NICHOLSON, 

Author of " The Carpenter and Joiners' Assistant," '• The Student's Instructor to the 
Five Orders," &c. • 

Thirteenth Edition. 1 Vol. 4to. 

8 



THE ERRORS OF MODERN INFIDELITY, 

ILLUSTRATED AND REFUTED, 
BY S. M. SCHMUCICER, A. M., 

In One Volume 12mo., cloth. Just Published. 

We cannot but regard this work, in whatever light we view it in reference to its de- 
sign, as one of the most masterly productions of the age. and fitted to unroot one of the 
most fondly cherished and dangerous of all ancient or modern errors. God must bless 
such a work, armed with his own truth, and doing fierce and successful battle against 
black infidelity, which would bring His ]\Iaje?ty and Word down to the tribunal of hu- 
man reason, for condemnation and annihilation. — Albany Spectator. 



The Child's First Book in Geography. 

BY A DISTINGUISHED PRACTICAL TEACHER. 
A Small Quarto, illustrated by numerous Maps, on a new and improved plan, and over 
one hundred Beautiful and Original Cuts, tbrming the most complete and attractive 
Primary Geography, yet published in this country. This elementary work, as also 
the larger School Geography named below, contains as much or more Geographical 
information and better arranged, than any other Geographies now used in the schools 
of this country, for the truth of which the publishers particularly request all teachers 
to examine for themselves. Copies for examination will be furnished gratis. 



SBIITH'S MEW C0MM01\r SCHOOL GEOGRAPHY, 

Illustrated with numerous engravings, and particularly adapted for all Common Schools, 
Academies, &c. This is a new work, and all persons ordering, will please say, Grigg, 
Elliot & Co. 's Edition of Smith's Geography. 

There is no School Book ever issued from the American press, that is more highly re- 
commended than this invaluable elementary work ; and it will be universally introduced 
into all the Private and Public Schools in the United States, if real merit is taken into 
consideration, and all Teachers are particularly requested to give it a candid examination 



^WA1.KEM'S SCHOOIi ©ICTIOWARY, 

New Edition, well bound. The above is a popular Philadelphia School Edition, printed 
from New Stereotype Plates, on Fine White Paper, and well bound, and has been 
adopted and introduced into the Public Schools of I'hiladelphia. 

Chamber of the Controllers of Public Schools, ^ 

First School District of Pennsylvania, V 

Philadelphia, March 15, )84S. 3 
At a meeting ot the Controllers of Public Schools, First School District of Pennsylva- 
nia, held at the Controllers' Chamber, on Tuesday, March 14th, the following resolution 
was adopted : 

Resolved, That " Walker's Critical Pronouncing Dictionary,'' published by 
Grigg, Elliot & Co., be adopted for use in the Public Schools. 
Certified from the Minutes. 

THOMAS B. FLORENCE, Secretary. 
Messrs. Grigg, Elliot & Co. 



THE AMERICAN MANUAL: 

Containing a Brief Outline of the Origin and Progress of Political Power, and the Laws 
of Nations; a Commentary on the Constitution of the United States of North America, 
and a lucid Exposition of the Duties and Responsibilities of Voters, Jurors, and Civil 
Magistrates; with Questions. Definitions, and Marginal Exercises; designed to de- 
velope and strengthen the Moral and Intellectual Powers of Youth, and impart an 
accurate knowledge of the nature and necessity of Political Wisdom. Adapted to the 
use of Schools, Academies, and the Public. By Joseph Baetlett Burleigh, A. M., 
aMemberofthe Baltimore Bar, and President of Newton University.— ''Regnant 
PopuLi." This invaluable work has received the highest recommendations from many 
of the most distinguished and practical Teachers in this country. Teachers who study 
the welfare and improvement of their pupils will examine and use this book. 

9 



AN ETYMOLOGICAL 
DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, 

Containing: llie Radicals and Definitions of Words derived from tlie Greek, Latin, and 
French Languages; and all the generally used Technical and Polite Phrases adopted 
from the French and Latin. Designed chiefly as a Book of Reference for professional 
men, and the curious in I-iterature, in explaining Words and Phrases, the origin of 
■which requires much Historical and Philosophical Research ; and adapted also to be 
used as an Academical Class Book. By William Grimshaw, author of a History of 
the United States, History of England, France, &.c. Third edition, carefully Revised 
and Enlarged. In 1 vol. 12mo. 



The Life of 

GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR, 

COMPRISING A NARRATIVE OF EVENTS CONNECTED WITH HIS 

PROFESSIONAL CAREER, AND AUTHENTIC INCIDENTS 

OF HIS EARLY YEARS. 

BY J. REESE FRY AND R. T. CONRAD. 

WITH AN ORIGINAL AND ACCURATE PORTRAIT, AND ELEVEN ELEGANT ILLUSTRA- 
TIONS, BY DARLEY, 

In one handsome ]2mo. volume. 

It is by far the fullest and most interesting biography of General Taylor that we have 
ever seen. — Richmond (Wliig) Chronicle. 

On the whole, we are satisfied that this volume is the most correct and comprehensive 
one yet published. — HunVs Merchants' Magazine. 

" The superiority of this edition over the ephemeral publications of the day consists 
in fuller and more authentic accounts of his family; his early life and Indian wars. The 
narrative of his proceedings in Mexico is drawn partly from reliable private letters, but 
chiefly from his own official correspondence. 

"It forms a cheap, substantial and attractive volume, and one which should be read 
at the fireside of every family who desire a faithful and true life of the Old General." 

N. B. Be careful to order Grigg, Elliot 4" Co.'s Illustrated Editions of those works. 



JUST PUBLISHED, 
Illfiisf rated Editions of the IblloTring "Worlis: 

GENERAL TAYLOR AND HIS STAFF; 

COMPRISING MEMOIRS OF GENERALS 

TAYLOR, WORTH, WOOL AND BUTLER: 

COLS. MAY, CROSS, CLAY, HARDIN, YELL, HAYS, 

AND 
OTHER DISTINGUISHED OFFICERS ATTACHED TO GENERAL TAYLOR'S ARMY. 

INTERSPERSED WITH 

NUMEROUS ANECDOTES DF THE MEXICAN WAR, 

AND 

PERSONAL ADVENTURES OF THE OFFICERS. 
Compiled from Public Documents and Private Correspondence. 

M'lTH 

ACCURATE PORTRAITS, AND OTHER BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATIONS. 
In One Volume, 12mo. 

10 



GENERAL SCOTT AND HIS STAFF: 

COMPRISING MEMOIRS OF GENERALS 

SCOTT, TWIGGS, SMITH, QUITMAN, SHIELDS, 

PILLOW, LANE, CADVVALADER, PATTERSON 

AND PIERCE; 

COLS. CHILDS, RILEY, HARNEY AND BUTLER, 

AND OTHER 

DISTINGUISHED OFFICERS ATTACHED TO GENERAL SCOTT'S ARMY; 

TOGETHER WITH 

Notices of General Kearney, Colonel Doniphan, Colonel Fre- 
mont, and other Officers distinguished in the Conquest 
of California and New Mexico. 

AND PERSONAL ADVENTURES OF THE OFFICERS. 
Compiled from Public Jtocumenta and Private Corregpondence. 

WITH 
ACCURATE PORTRAITS, AND OTHER BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATIONS. 

In one volume, 12mo. 



OR, 



CAMP LIFE OF A VOLUNTEER. 

A GAMFAIGN IN MEXICO; 
A GLIMPSE AT LIFE IN CAMP. 

BY "ONE WHO HAS SEEN THE ELEPHANT." 



SONGS FOR THE PEOPLE. 

Edited ]}y ALBERT G. EMERICK, Professor of Music. 

Illustrated with NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS, from Original Designs, 
BY W. CROOME & CO. 1 vol. 8vo., scarlet cloth. 



LIFE OF PAUL JONES. 

lu One Volums 12mo., -with One Hundred Illustrations. 

" Life of Rear Admiral John Paul Jones.'' &c. Sec. by James Hamilton. The vcork is 
compiled from his original journals and correspondence ; and includes an acconnl of his 
services in ihe American Revoluiion, and in ihe vi'ar between the Russians and Turks 
in the Black Sea. There is scarcely any Naval Hero of any age who combined in his 
character so much of the advenlurous, skilful and daring, as Paul Jones. The incidents 
of his life are aimost as startling and absorbing as those of romance. Kis achievements 
during the American Revolution — the fight between the Son Homme Richard and Sera- 
pis, the most desperate naval action on record, and the alarm into which, with so small 
a force, he threw the coasts of England and Scotland, are matters comparatively well 
known to Americans: but the incidents of his subsequent career have been veiled in 
obscurity, wlueli is dissipated by this Biography. A book like this, narrating the actions 
of such a man, ought to meet wnth an extensive sale, and become as popular as Robinson 
Crusoe in fiction, or Wetms' Life of Marion and Washington, and similar books in fact, 
li contains 4110 pages — has a handsome portrait and medallion likeness of Jones, and is 
illustrated with numerous original wood engravings of naval scenes and distinguished 
men vi-itli whom he was familiar. , 

L. G. Curtis, Esq . editor of tlie Commercial, Cincinnati, Ohio, speaking of this work 
&c., observes : — •• ' Life of Rear Admiral Paul Jones, illustrated with numerous engrav- 
ings from original drawings ' This book we prize above any in our possession. John 
I'aul Jones was truly an extraordinary man. He had the honor to hoist with his own 
bands the flag of freedom, the first lime it was displayed in the Delaware, and in after 
life declared that he attended it with veneration ever after. To Paul Jones the honor of 
raisin? up an Ainerican navy belongs. He was the first commander in the world who 
made the proud flag of England 'come down.' His life, as printed by Messr?. Grigg, 
Elliot & Co.. should be in the hands of every intelligent American." 

11 



The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Crentleman. 

COMPRISING THE HUMOROUS ADVENTURES OF 

UNCLE TOBY AND CORPORAL* TP I M. 

BY L. STERNE. 

Beautifully illustrated by Darley, stitched. 

A SEIVTIMEWTAL. JOIJRIVEY, BY L,. STFRIVE. 

Illustrated as above, by Darley, stitched. 
The beauties of this author are so well known, and his errors in style ; nd expression 
80 few and far between, that one reads with renewed delight his delicate turns, &c. 

THE LIFE OF GENERAL JACKSON, 
WITH A LIKENESS OF THE OLD HERO. 1 Volume ISmo. 



A COMPLETE DICTIONARY 

OF 

POETICAL QUOTATIONS: 

COMPRISING THE MOST EXCELLENT AND APPROPRIATE PASSAGES 

IN THE 

OLD BRITISH POETS: 

WITH CHOICE AND COPIOUS SELECTIONS 

FROM THE BEST 

MODERN BRITISH AND AMERICAN POETS. 

ED ITED BY 

SARAH JOSEPHA HALE. 

As nightingales do upon glow-worms feed. 
So poets live upon the hving light 
Of Nature and of Beauty. 

Bailey's Festus. 

Beautifully illustrated with engravings. In one super-royal 
8vo. volume, in various bindings. 

The publishers extract, from the many highly complimentary notices of tlie above valuable and 
beautiful work, the following : 

" We have at last a volume of Poetical Quotations worthy of the name. It contains nearly six hun- 
dred octavo pages, carefully and tastefully selected from all the home and foreign autiiors of celebrity. 
It is invaluable' to a writer, while to the ordinary reader it presents every subject at a glance."— Godey'* 
Lady's Book. 

"The plan or idea of Mrs. Hale's work is felicitous. It is one for which her fine taste, her orderly 
habits of mind, and her long occupation with literature, has given her peculiar facihties ; and thoroughly 
has she accomplished her task in the work before us."—Sartain's Magazine. 

" It is a choice collection of poetical extracts from every English and American author, worth perus- 
ing, from the days of Chaucer to the present time." — Washijigton Union. 

" Its graceful editress, in her short preface, thus speaks, and most truly, of its contents : " Whatever 
is loveliest in sentiment and loftiest in aspiration is here represented : specimens of the varied forma 
in which gifted minds have contributed to the polish of vvit, the beauty of wisdom, the sweetness of 
love, the power of patriotism, the holiness of piety — all that has most deeply stirred the soul of the 
Anglo-Saxon race for the last three hundred years, is here embodied " It contains copious selections 
from all the standard British and American Poets upon almost every subject within the range of thought. 
The subjects are arranged alphabetically, and a " Table of Contents" at the commencement renders 
reference to them perfectly easy."— iVew Hampshire Patriot. 

''There is nothing negative about this work ; it is positively good." — Evening Bulletin. 



*,* Public, private and social libraries, and all who purchase to sell again, supplied on 
the most reasonable terms with every article in the Book and Stationery line; including 
new novels, and all new works in every department of literature and science. 

|]I7= Particular attention will also be paid to all orders, through country merchants,or 
liy mail, for Law, Medical and Miscellaneous Books, for public and private libraries, 
and no effort will be spared to complete all such orders on the most reasonable terms. 

13 



I 
TO ALL TEACHERS AND SCHOOL COMMITTEES. 



NEW AND 
POPULAE SCHOOL BOOKS, 

PUBLISHED BY 

LIPPINCOTT, GRAMBO & Co. 
SUCCESSORS TO GRIGG, ELLIOT & Co. 

The attfintion of Teachers, School CoramUtees, and all interested in good education, is 
solicited to the following School Books, which are for sale by Booksellers and Country 
Merchants generally— with testimony from numerous Teachers, and others who have prac- 
tically tested these Books in the School Room, or carefully examined them. 



THE AMERICAN MANUAL; 

A COMMENTARY ON THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED 

STATES OF NORTH AMERICA, 

WITH QUESTIONS, DEFINITIONS, AND MARGINAL EXERCISES, 

Adapted to the use of Schools. 1 vol. ]2mo. 

BY J. BAJRTLETT BURLEIGH. A. M. 



July 7th, 1848. 
Messrs. Griog, Elliot, & Co.— Dear Sirs .■ I have examined the "jlmerican Manual," 
by President Burleigh, and ftufl it to be just the book that is wanted in our schools ; and 1 
may add, in every private library. Amidst all the boasted light of the present day, there 
is really great deficiency in several departments. A knowledge of figures, whether of 
Arithmetic or Rhetoric, will not make able statesmen nor sensible voters. 

While all proclaim that our existence, as a free nation, depends on the intelligence of the 
people, little comparatively is doing to reduce this idea to practice in our seminaries of 
learning. 

If this great evil is owing to the want heretofore of suitable books, the "American Jl/a- 
nuaV cannot fail to be extensively used. Vours, &c. 

LEWIS W. BURNET, 
Principal of Academy, Cor. qfith and Fine Sts., Philadelphia. 



J\r'w. 14th, 1848. 
I have examined Burleigh's American Manual, and take pleasure in saying that it is a 
book well calculated to interest the young. It seems to me, that the marginal e.xercises, 
as well as the subjects of the work, cannot fail to secure attention, and excite a profitable 
inquiry in the mind of the student. I am also mucfi pleased with " Smith's New Common 
School Geography ;" it is simple, and sufficiently full in its explanations as a primary trea- 
tise on geography, and introduces the learner at once to the elementary knowledge of this 
important branch of education, without the incumbrance of matter, tending to bewilder, 
rather than to instruct the mind of youth. 

I intend to introduce both of the above works into the School under my charge, as soon 
as practicahle- 

WM. B. HARWOOD, 
Principal qf Richmond Lancastcrian School. 
1 



{Copy). 

Baltimore, October 5th, 1843. 
The American Manual, by Joseph Bartlett Burleigh, A. M., has been intiodiiced by ihc 
Commissioners of the Public Schools into the Central High School, and the two Female 
High Schools of Baltimore. 

J. W. TILYARD, 
Clerk of Commistsioners of Public Schools. 



Baltimore. March Wh. ISi'J. 
This is to certify that the Board of Commissioners of the Public Schools for Baltimore 
County, have adopted the American Manual by J. B. Burleigh, as a textbook, to be us.d 
in the schools under their direction. This Board lias under its control over sixty schools 
located throughout Baltimore County. 

WILSON C. N. CARR, 
Clerk to the Board of School Commissioners for Baltimore Counltj. 



Extract of a letter from Leroy G. Edwards, President of the Board of Public School 
Commissioners for Norfolk County, Virginia. " I consider the American Manual a deside- 
ratum which had not been before supplied, and respectfully reconuncnd that it be useil 
generally in every District Free School in this county.^' 



Korfolk Jiradcmy, January fit/i, 1849. 
Extract of a letter from John B. Strange, A. M., and R. B 'J'schudi, A. M., Principals of 
the Norfolk Academy, Virginia. " We do not hesitate to pronounce it (the American Ma- 
nual) one of the best School-books we have ever examined, not only as regards the matter, 
but also the manner of communicating it. The Manual is adapted to the capacity of the 
youngest, and must prove highly interesting and instructive to the oldest pupils. It com- 
municates information which every American should possess, in a style so clear, and by a 
plan so admirable, that the work must couiuiend itself to all who become acquainted with 
its merits. We shall introduce it into this institution, and hope that the Schools through- 
out the country will not fail to appreciate its worth, and adopt it at the earliest moment 
as one of their text-books." 



Extract of a letter from Hon. Colman Yellot. " I sincerely hope that the American Ma- 
nual may become a standard text-book in all our schools. But it is a work designed not 
merely for the perusal of the young. Its peculiar beauty of style, and the great amount 
of useful information collected in so convenient a form, should render it a favourite book 
of reference for the legislator, the politician, and the general reader." 



Extract of a letter from Alexander Campbell, D.D., L.L.D., President of Bethany Col- 
lege, Virginia. -'The American Manual is an admirable text-book for teacher and pupil, 
on the various important subjects so essential to the American scholar and statesman." 



{Copy). 

Stcubcnville, Ohio, May nth, 1849. 
Messrs. Grigg, Elliot & Co. : We, the undersigned. Teachers of the Public Schools in 
the ciry of Steubenville, find, on trial, that Burleigh's .American Manual is the best book 
with which we are acquainted for waking up the mind of youth, for training them to un- 
derstand what they read, for leading them to investigate aiul reason for themselves, thereby 
thoroughly fitting them for the duties of after life. "The school, the infallible test of the 
merits of a class-book, proves that its proper use need only be witnessed to receive the 
approbation of every friend of thorough education. 

M. A. WALKER, WM. McCAY, 

M. KIDDO, FRANCIS TURNER, 

M. HULL, I. B. BUTLER, 

J. BROWN, E, KELL, 

M. ALLEN, M. ORR. 



Laicreiiccville. Pa., May 5th, 1849. 
At a meeting of the Directors of the Borough of Lawrenceville Public Schools, the fol- 
towing resolution was unaiiiiuously adopted. Resolved, That the American Manual be 
adopted as a class-book, and that the teachers be instructed to form classes iu the same. 

WiVI. E. JANCEY, Secretary. 



Alleghany City, May Z\st, 18-19. 
Having o.vamincd the American Manual, by J. B. Burleigh, and having used it as a text- 
book in our classos in the Public Schools of this city, we think it a work of superior merit. 
The subject, tlie style, the marginal exercises, the questions at the foot of each page, the 
appendix, and tli.3 statistical tables, are such as to make the work complete. In the iiauds 
of the judicious teacher, it will be found the very look needed. Signed by 

J. A. COVELL, A. T. DOUTHETT, 

E. FRAZIER, JNO. STERRIT, 

M. WILSON, VVM. M. HASTINGS, 

JAS. B. D. MEEDS, LEONARD H. IV'VTON 

Principal ofHd IVard Boys' School, Pittsburg. 

JAMES ANDERSON, 
Principal of Piitslmrgh Academy , and many other Principals of Schools and Academies. 



(Copy). 
At a meeting of the Board of School Commissioners of the city of Wheeling, Va., held 
at the Court House, June 14th, 1849, the following resolution was adopted unanimously: 
Resolved, That the American Manual, by Jos. Rartlett Burleigh, be and tlie same is liereby 
adopted as a text-book, to be used in tlie Public Schools of this city. 

Attest : GEO. W. SIGHTS, 

Clerk of Board of School Commissioners. 



Pittsburg, June 5th, 1849. 
We, the undersigned, teachers in the Public Schools of Pittsburg, have used Burleigh's 
American Manual with great satisfaction and delight. The plan of the work is in all 
respects judicious. The marginal exercises ar6 a novel and original feature. They are 
arranged with great accuracy and discrimination. Their use not only excites the liveliest 
interest among the pupils, but produces great salutary and lasting effects in arousing the 
mental powers, and leading the scholars constantly to investigate, reason, and judge for 
themselves. The Manual is elegantly written, and must have the effect to give a taste to 
what is pure and lofty in English literature. Throughout the entire work the strictest 
regard is inculcated for the purest morality. 

B. M. KERR, SAM'L C. HARPER, 

J. WHITTIER, M. H. EATON, 

N. VERNON, 
Professor of Mathematics and English Literature in Frederick College. 

And many other Principals of Schools and Academies. 



JVewioicn, Princess Anne County. Virginia, July 'ilth. 1849. 
Extract of a letter from Wm. Roberts, Esq., President of the Board of School Commis- 
sioners of Princess ."inne County, Virginia. "The Board of School Commissioners, of this 
county, held a meeting about three weeks ago. and passed a resolution that the American 
Manual be introduced into our Schools. The popularity of the Manual, upon examination 
by so large a number of our citizens, almost surprises me; for not only the School Com- 
iiiissioners have read it, but a great number of our citizens. I consider it the best book for 
training the young mind, in the earlier stages of its education, I have ever seen." 



Eastville, ^Northampton County, Virginia, Feb. 27th. 1849. 
Extract of a letter from Rev. H. Galpin, Principal of the High School at Eastville, 
Northampton County, Virginia. " My scholars have fallen in love with the Manual, and 
their improvement delightfully corresponds. If I do not mistake, it will be appreciated 
and introduced into Schools just in proportion as it becomes known. It ought to be in 
every family and in every library." 



Extract of a letter from Dr. J. Patrick, President of Madison College. " The American 
Manual is evidently the labor of a mind devoted to, and understanding the instruction of 
youth ; the plan is a most excellent one; the questions and marginal notes being of incal- 
culable service to the pupil; while at the same time the author's exposition combines the 
utmost perspicuity, precision, and clearness, making very attractive the study of those 
great principles which are the soul of the charter of our Jiberties. I have no doubt but it 
can be advantageously used as the highest class reader in all our schools." 



Extract of a letter from B. Eveiitt Sinitli, Esq. " 1 doubt vvlielher the iiinfciiuity of man 
cen ever devise a work better adapted to the purpose avowed by tlie author. 1 arose from 
the perusal of the American Manual more deeply impressed than ever with uiv responsi- 
bility as a citizen, and with the absolute importance of fosteriny sound virtue and politi- 
cal morality." 



From L. T. Cowell, Esq., late Teacher of Matliematics, Ypsilanti Seminary, .Michigan. 
"Having carefully examined the American Manual by President Burleigh, A.M., and hav- 
ing used it aa a text-book (the best test of its merits), I deem it a work of superior merit. 
As a Commentary on the Constitution of the United States, it is of high intrinsic worlk. 
The directions upon the method of instruction — the subject, the style, the maiyinal exer- 
cises, the appendix (a key to the whole work), the statistical tables, and the questions at 
the foot of each page, fully meet the wants of the pupil and teacher. The points treated 
of, the language, and the plan of the work, make it complete. It is of the liighest order. 
Its merits commend it to universal approbation." 

Having examined the American Manual, we fally concur in the opinion of Professor I... 
T. Cowell, and have adopted it as a textbook in our schools. 

JOHN COWAN, 
Principal of the Public High School, Manclicster, Pennsylvania. 
JOHN B. CALHOUN. 
Principal of the Manchester Select School. 
B. M. WILLIAMS, 
ith Ward Male High School, Mlleghany City. 



From the Fredericksburg, Virginia, Herald. 

" The plan of the work is eminently original. It possesses a kind of railroad facility in 
arousing the minds of youth; and no one who is entrusted with the education of the 
rising generation, should be ignorant of its contents, or a stranger to its thorough and 
efficient mode of imparting knowledge. 

"But, independently of the admirable arrangement as a School Book, it is worthy of the 
most careful perusal of all, and ought to be in every family. It contains a condensed, 
lucid, exact, and comprehensive view of our social and political institutions. 



Extract of a letter from Judge Jno. C. Legrand. "Tlie Manual is entirely new in its 
design, and to a very considerable extent secures for the young student, what I regard of 
the first importance, the thorough understanding of his lessons. It is not merely the 
memory of the pupil that is tried by its lessons, but all the other faculties are also put iu 
requisition. The design of the book requires that the pupil shall understand as well as 
recollect." 



SIAITK'S ISTESW C0MM03T SCHOOI. GEOGHAPHIBS. 

THE CHILD'S FIRST BOOK IN GEOGRAPHY. 

DESIGNED AS AN INTRODUCTION TO 

R. M. SMITH'S COMMON SCHOOL GEOGRAPHY. 

A small Quarto, illustrated by numerous Maps, on a new and improved plan, and over 
One Hundred beautiful and original Cuts, forming the most complete and attractive 
Primary Geography yet published in this country. This elementary work, as also the 
larger School Geography named below, contains as much or more Geographical informa- 
tion, and better arranged, than any other Geographies now used in the schools of this 
country; for the truth of whicli the publishers particularly request all teachers to exa- 
mine for themselves. Copies fore.xamination will be furnished gratis. 



SMITH'S NEW COMIVION SCHOOL GEOGRAPHY. 

Illustrated with numerous engravings, and particularly adapted for all Common Sriiool.s, 
Academies, &c. This is a new work, and all persons ordering, will please say, Grigg, 
Elliot & Co.'s Edition of Smith's Geography. 

There is no School Book ever issued from the American press, that is more Jiighly rernm- 
mended than this invaluable elementary work; and it will be universallv introdnceil into 
all the Private and Public Schools in the United States, if real merit is taken into runsi- 
deration, and all Teachers are particularly requested to give it a catniii! cxaminalion. 



Testimony from numerous distinguished teacliers and olhtrs, who have practically tested 
their value as School Books. 

Jane 23(i, 1849. 

From Jno. McCIusky, D.D., Principal of the Academy and Normal School, West Ale.x- 
andria, Pennsylvania. 

Messrs. Griog, Elliot & Co. Having used R. M. Smith's Quarto Geography in the 
Academy of West Alexandria, for some time, it gives me pleasure to recommend it to the 
attention of all Common District Schools, Academies, and even Colleges, as decidedly a 
work of great merit. 

JOHN McCLUSKY. 



Richmond, JVot;. 13/A, ]848. 
Dear Sirs : I have devoted all my leisure to the books left with me. Smith's Common 
School Geography is the best system J have ever examined. I know of no book so well 
adapted as the American, to aid the instructor in teaching boys to think, — without which 
there can be, in truth, no education. Very truly yours, 

R. N. FOX, 
Teacher of the Classical and Mathematical Sc/wol, Southeast comer of Capitol Square. 



The following teachers in Richmond, Virginia, have also recommended and introduced 
R. M. Smith's Geography in their Schools and Academies. 

H. PORTERFIELD TAYLOR, 

Principal of Union Academy. 
JUDITH A. BREEDEN, 

Select School. 
MISS AUSTIS MAGEE. SUSANNAH H. BURTON, 

E.G.STARKE, CAROLINE H. GAY, 

A. B. SMITH, ELIZABETH L. READ, 

ABIAH S. HILLER, C. A. STANFIELD, 

M. H. SMITH, A. LYON, 

MARY F. ANDERSON, WILLIAM S. FISHER. 



JVorfolk, Virginia, Jan. 0th, 1840. 
We have carefully and critically examined R. M. Smith's Geography, and give it a 
decided preference over all other works of the kind, and have introduced it into our 
Schools. 

H. HUTCHINSON, HOPE BAIN, 

W. S. FORREST, ELIZA M. RAMSAY, 

WILLIAM WHITE, A. E. BROWN, 

E. G. NEWSUND, LAURA L. DANIEL, 

ANN DORER, Teachers. 



Petersburg, Va. JVov. 2d, 1849. 
We have introduced R. M. Smith's Geography into our Schools. 

S. PARRISH, ABIGAIL ROCKWELL, 

W. W. CAMPBELL, G. M. F. BASS, 

Teachers. 



We have introduced R. M. Smith's Geography into our Schools. 
JAMES CHARLTON, Newberrv, Pa. 
JOHN TOBIN, Bovrstown, Bedford Co., Pa. 
JACOB LANDIS, York, Pa. 
JOSEPH H. THOMPSON, York, Pa. 
W. G. MITCHELL, York, Pa. 
A. IRWIN, McConnelsburg, Pa. 

SAMUEL ARTHUR, OIney Classical School, Phila. Co,, Pa. 
S. SHIRLEY, Fayetteville, Pa. 
M. J. BOYD, Lancaster. Pa. 
PHOEBE PAINE, Carlisle, Pa. 
W. H. BLAIR, Orrsbursr. Pa. 
JAMES M. ALEXANDER. Bedford, Pa. 
M. J. LAVERTY, Shippensburg, Pa. 
THOMAS W. MORRIS, Plainfield, Pa. 



6 

WALKER'S SCHOOL AND FAMILY DICTIONARY. 

NEW EDITION. 

FROM NEW STEKEOTTPE PLATES, 

GREATLY IMPROVED, AND PRINTED ON WHITE PAPER. 

A CRITICAL PRONOUNCING DICTIONARY 

AND 

EXPOSITOR OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, 

IN WHICH THE MEANING OF EVERY WORD IS EXPLAINED, AND THE 

SOUND OF EVERY SYLLABLE DISTINCTLY SHOWN. 

TO WHICH ARE PREFIXED AN ABSTRACT OF ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION, AND DIREC- 
TIONS TO FOREIGNERS FOR ACQUIRING A KNOWLEDGE OF THE USE 
OF THIS DICTIONARY. 

BY JOHN WALKER, 

Author of "Elements of Elocution," "Rhyming Dictionary," &C.&C. 

Abridged for the use of Schools, by an American Citizen. 

P. S. This is a new edition, on fine paper, and improved in printing and bindinj. Pa- 
rents and Teachers will please e.xamine and order Grigg, Elliot & Co.'s Improved Edition. 

Chamber of the Controllers of Public Schools, ^ 

First School District op Pennsylvania, \ 

Philadelphia, March 15, 1848. S 
At a meeting of the Controllers of Public Schools, First School District of Pennsyl- 
vania, held at the Controllers' Chamber, on Tuesday, March 14th, the following resolution 
was adopted : — 

Resolved, That " Walker^s Critical Pronouncing Dictionary," published by Grigg, Elliot, 
■V Co., be adopted for use in the Public Schools. 

THOMAS B. FLORENCE, Secretary. 
Certified from the Minutes. 
Messrs. Griog, Elliot & Co. 

An eminent writer, and a good judge of the value of Dictionaries, observes as fol- 
lows : — 

We have received from the publishers, Messrs. Grigg, Elliot & Co., No. 14 North Fourth 
Street, a copy of their new and handsome edition of Walker's Critical Pronouncing Die 
tionary for Schools. The present edition is decidedly the best and most convenient we 
have ever seen, both in regard to the size of the type on which it is printed, and the style 
and form in which it is issued. It has been " got up" in a handsome and substantial man- 
ner, expressly for schools — has been greatly improved and made better in every respect for 
teachers and scholars. ,^11 teachers who have any regard for their eyes anil the eyes of 
tliflr scholars, would find it to their advantage to use this edition, printed as it is from 
new stereotype plates and on clean white paper. The edition is for sale by booksellers 
and country merchants generally throughout the United States. 



BIGLAND'S NATURAL HISTORY 

OF ANIMALS, BIRDS, FISHES, REPTILES, AND INSECTS, 

ILLUSTRATED WITH NUMEROUS AND BEAUTIFUL ENGRAVINGS. 

BY JOHN BIGLAND, 

Author of a "View of the World," "Letters on Universal History," &c. Complete in 
1 vol. lOmo., with Questions. 

This work is particularlv adapted for the use of Schools and Families, forming the most 
elegantly written and coiiiplete work on the subject of Natural History ever published, 
and is worthy of the special atti'ntion of the teachers of all our schools and acadesnies. 



ORIGG & ElililOT'S 

NEW i<ERIES OF 

COMMON SCHOOL EEADERS, 

Numl)ers First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth. 

THESE BOOKS ARE PARTICULARLY ADAPTED FOR AN INTRODUCTION 
LNTO THE 

SCHOOLS GENERALLY IN THE SOUTH AND WEST; 

AND 

TEACHERS WHO FEEL A DEEP INTEREST IN PROMOTING 
THE WELFARE OF THEIR PUPILS, 

■WILL, NO DOUBT, 

AFTER A CAREFUL EXAMINATION, GIVE THEM THE PREFERENCE OVER ALL OTHER 

HEADERS NOW IN USE. 

53" Parents and Teachers will please read the following notice of this inva- 
luable series of Elementary School Books. 

We called attention to the above-named series of Common School books several weeks 
since, when publishing an advertisement for the sale of them by some of our merchants. 
Since that time we have had opportunity to give them a thorough examination, and we 
feel it due to the community in which we live, and the proprietors of those interesting 
publications, to notice them more particularly. They certainly contribute a valuable 
addition to our stock of elementary literature; in their plan and details presenting an 
intimate acquaintance with the necessities that demanded their production, and develop- 
ing, in their prosecution, a wisdom and zeal in adapting the material at hand to the attain- 
ment of the object in view, every way worthy of commendation and confidence. 

The First Class Reader is exactly such a book as would interest and impress the minds 
and heartsof litlle boys and girls. Composed of short and easy words, embodying plea- 
sant and profitable instruction, it is just the thing for infJint learners, who find in il such 
^vords as thev can readily pronounce, and such ideas as they can easily comprehend. 
In the Second and Third Class Readers the style increases in the intricacy of diction and 
the elevation of sentiment, in beautiful consistency with the progress of attentive and 
studious pupils, in the more advanced stages of primary school education. The Fourth 
Class Reader is an invaluable compendium of deeply interesting and instructive facts, 
arguments and inferences, drawn t'rom that unfailing repository of truth, the history of 
the men and manners of by-gone times. Ii is a reprint of the "Beauties of History." 
consisting of anecdotes of men and women made illustrious by the splendor of their 
talents and virtues, or rendered eternally infamous by the vileness of their characters 
and crimes. It is, therefore, a fit companion for those who a^e completing their term of 
Btudy, preparatory to entering the great arena of life; inviting and encouraging them by 
the bright example of the good, to walk in wisdom's narrow path, and warning them, by 
the wretchedness and ruin of the vicious from entering the broad road of sin and death. 

After the table of contents of the Second Reader, is a chapter giving directions for the 
attainment 0/ a correct and elegant style 0/ reaijins, the great importance of which all 
know the value of, but few attain. For the truth of these remarks, we refer to the books 
themselves. 

THE FIFTH READER. 

IXIT' The Publishers have received numerous recommendations of the great value of 
this work as a school book, and they all state, " it is just the Book that is wanted Incur 
schools, and in every private library.'' and that the work should be extensively intro- 
duced into all our schools and academies. 

MOODEY'S BOOK-KEEPING. 

A PRACTICAL PLAN OF BOOK-KEEPING, 

BY DOUBLE ENTRY. 



ANSLEY'S ELEMENTS OF LITERATURE; 

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE STUof OF RHETORIC AND BELLES-LETTRES. 

BY E. A. ANSLEY, AM. 
Half Cloth, 1 vol. 12mo. 



MURRAY'S EXERCISES AND KEY, 

ADAPTED TO HIS GRAMMAR. 

LIPPINCOTT, GRAMBO &. CO.'S STEREOTYPE EDITION. 



SraiLEy'S ARITHMETIOAL RULES AND TABLES 

FOR YOUNG BEGINNERS. 

This is the best work of the kind now in print ; but teachers are particu- 
,arly requested to examine for themselves. 



SMILEY'S ARITHMETIC, 

OR THE NEW FEDERAL CALCULATOR, in Dollars and Cents. 

This work contains, among other important improvements, Questions on the 
Rules and Theory of Arithmetic, which are considered by teachers generally 
very conducive to the improvement of the pupil. Althougii a prejudice ex- 
ists among some teachers in favor of the old works on Arithmetic, yet the 
very liberal patronage which this work has received, must be considered as 
decisive evidence of the great estimation in which it is held by most of the 
instructors of youth. Upwards of 500,000 copies have been printed and sold. 
The sums being altogether in dollars and cents, gives it a decided preference^ 
over any other arithmetic in use. The most distinguished teachers of our 
city pronounce it superior to any other like work ; therefore the publishers 
sincerely hope this useful improvement will overcome the prejudice that many 
teachers have to introducing new works — particularly those preceptors who 
wish to discharge their duty faithfully to parent and child. 



A KEY TO THE ABOVE ARITHMETIC, 

In which all the examples necessary for a learner are wrought at large, and also 
solutions given of all the various rules. Designed principally to facilitate the 
labor of teachers, and assist such as have not the opportunity of a tutor's aid. 



AN ETYMOLOGICAL 
DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. 

BY WILLIAM GRIM SHAW. 

THIRD EDITION, IN ONE VOL. 12mO. 

The compiler of this book, in his Preface, runs over the leading influences which have 
been at work in the formaiion of the lanaruage, and points sigiiificanily to tlie study of 
derivations for a correct and ready use of words. Tlie advantage of his work is that so 
mucli is done in so small a space. In one volume of about three hundred pages, there is 
really a vast amount of matter, the study of which could not fail to benefit the style of 
nine-tenths of the (so called) exact writers of the day. The author's distinction of the 
use of the two great divisions of our language by the "higher classes and the common 
people," in his Preface, requires some qualification. Good authors and talkers may be 
known by their frequent use, not of Greek, Latin, or French, but of Saion words. 



GRIMSHAW'S LADIES' LEXICON 4 FARLOH COMPANION; 

CONTAINING 

Nearly every word in the English Language, and exhibiting the Plurals 
of Nouns and the Participles of Verbs; being also particulq^-ly adapt- 
ed to the use of Academies and Schools. 

BY WILLIAM GEIMSHAW, Esq. 

In the Nashville Republican, we observe the following notice of this very use- 
ful book : — 

In recommending the "Ladies' Lexicon." therefore, to all our readers, male and fe- 
male, who liave ever experienced the difficulties whicli it is so admirably calculated to 
remedy, we but do an ordinary act of justice to the author and publisher. We consider 
the "Ladies' Lexicon," and recommend it to our readers, as a work that possesses supe- 
rior claims on their attention and patronage. 



THE GENTLEMAN'S LEXICON, OR POCKET DICTIONARY. 

CONTAINING 

Nearly every word in the English Language, and exhibiting the Plurals 
of Nouns and the Participles of Verbs; being also particularly adapted 
to the use of Academies and Schools. 

BY WILLIASI GEIMSHAW, Esq. 

The public are again indebted to the talents of Mr. Grimshaw, for the very 
useful books which he has called " The Ladies' and Gentleman's Lexicons." — 
The peculiarity and advantages of these works may be collected from the fol- 
lowing portion of the preface : — 

"They diflTer from all preceding works of the kind in this, that they exhibit the plurals 
of all nouns whicli are not formed by the mere addition of the letter s, and also the par- 
ticiples of every verb now generally used, and unless accompanied by a particular cau- 
tion. No word has been admitted which is not now of polite or popular use; and no word 
has been excluded whicli is required either in epistolary composition or conversation." 

In giving the above extracts we take occasion to say, that teachers will find the " La- 
dies' and Gentleman's Lexicons" works admirably adapted to take the place, with 
advantage to their pupils, of the different works recently put into their hands under the 
name of Expositors, &c. 

Uj^ The above work has been introduced as a Class-book into many of our acade- 
mies and schools, with great approbation. 



GRIMSHAW'S POPULAR HISTORIES. 

For Schools and Family Libraries. 
GRIMSHAW'S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

RECENTLY BROUGHT UP BY THE AUTHOR TO THE PRESENT TIME. 

AlsOj Questions adapted to the above History; and a Key, adapted to 
the Questions, for the use of Teachers and Families. 

GMIMSHAW'S HISTOKY OF EMGLAMB. 

RECENTLY BROUGHT UP BY THE AUTHOR TO THE PRESENT TIME. 

AlsOj Questions adapted to the above History; and a Key, adapted to 
the Questions, for the use of Teachers and Families. 



Grimshaw's Improved Edition of 
GOLDSMITH'S^ MlST©Kir OF GKEE€E, 

With a Vocabulary of the Proper Names contained in the Work, and the I'roso- 
dial Accents, in conformity with the Pronunciation of Lempnere. Also, 
Question^ adapted to the above History ; and a Key, adapted to tbe Questions, 
for the use of Teachers and Families. 

Grimshaw's Improved Edition of 

GOliBSMITH'S HISTORY ©F ROME. 
REVISED AND CORllECTED; 

And a Vocabulary of Proper Names appended, with Prosodial Marks to assist in 
their Pronunciation. Also, Questions adapted to the above History ; and a 
Key, adapted to the Questions, for the use of Teachers and Families. 

GRIMSMAi;V'S HISTORY OF FRA]\CE, 

WITH KbY AJND QUESTIONS. 
GRIMSHAW'S 

HISTORY AND LIFE OF NAPOLEON. 

The editor of die North American Review, speaking of these Histories, ol> 
serves, that — 

Among the Elemenlarj' Books of American Ilistorj', we do not remember to have seen 
any one more deserving^ approbation than Mr. Grimshaw's History of the United States. 
It is a small volume, and a great deal of matter is brought into a narrow space; but the 
author lias succeeded so well in the construction of his periods, and the arrangement of 
his materials, that perspicuity is rarely sacrificed to brevity. 

The chain of narrative is skillfully preserved ; and the author's reflections are fre- 
quently such as to make the facts more impressive, and lead the youthful mind to observe 
causes ami consequences which might otherwise have been overlooked. As a school 
book it may justly be recommended. 

What has been said of this volume will apply generally to his other historical works. 
They are each nearly of the same size as the one just noticed, and designed for the sam& 
object, that is, the use of classes in schools. 

The History of England is an original composition; but the Grecian and Roman His- 
tories are Goldsmith's, improved by Gi.nishaw, in which he has corrected the typogra- 
phical errors with which the later editions of Goldsmith's Abridgements so much abound ; 
and removed any grossness in language, which, in some few instances, render these 
valuable compends less useful in the schools to which youth of both sexes resort. He 
has also added a Vocabulary of Proper Names, accentuated, in order to show their right 
pronunciation, which is a valuable appendage to the History. 

All these books are accompanied wiih very full and well-digested Tables of Ques- 
tions, for the benefit of Pupils, and also with Keys to the same, for the convenience of 
Teachers. 



THE BEAUTIES OF HISTORY; 

OR, EXAMPLES OV THE 

OPPOSITE EFFECTS OF VIRTUE AND VICE, 

FOR THE USE OF FAMILIES. 

1 Vol. 12mo., ^vltli Plates. 

" After a careful examination of this book, we can conscientiously recommend 
it to parents and teachers as a most meritorious performance. There are here 
collected, within a narrow compass, the most striking examples of i-ndividual 
virtue and vice which are spread forth on the pages of history, or are recorded 
in personal biography. The noblest precepts are recommended for the guidance 
of youth ; and in the most impressive manner is he taught to conquer the de- 
grading impulses which lower the standard of the human character. Weliavenot 
lately met with a volume which, in design and execution, seemed so acceptable 
as this. The book, moreover, is handsomely got up, and illustrated with wood 
engravings." 



A Dictionary of Select audi Popular Quotations, 

Which are in daily use, taken from the French <jreek, Spanish and Italian Languages , 
translated into English, with illustrations. Historical and Idiomatic. This little •work 
should find its way into every family library. 



CoifiversatioEis ow Waturai Fhilosopliy; 

In which the Elements of that Science are familiarly explained. Illustrated'with plates. 
By the author of " Conversations on Chemistry," &c. With considerahle Additions, 
Corrections and Improvements in the body of the work. Appropriate Questions, and 
a Glossary. By Dr. Thomas P. Jones, Professor of Mechanics in the Franklin Insti- 
tute of the State of Pennsylvania. 



CoiiverssitiOBis on Clteisiistry^ 

In which the Elements of that Science are familiarly Explained and Illustrated by Ex- 
periments and Engravings on Wood. From the last London F.dition. In which all 
the late Discoveries ami Improvements are brought up to the present time, liy Dr. 
Thomas P. Jones, Professor of Mechanics in the Franklin Institute of the State of 
Pennsylvania, &c. 

The learned and distinguished Professors Silliman and Bigelow, speaking of 
these works, observe : — " They are satisfied that the Works contain the funda- 
mental principles, and truths of the Sciences, expressed in a clear, intelligible, 
and interesting manner, and that the present editions are decidedly more valu- 
able than any preceding ones. The high character of the author, as a lecturer 
and a man of science, will, we doubt not, secure for these Works the good 
opinion of the public, and cause their extensive adoption among Seminaries and 
Students." 

Teachers in ordering would do well to say " Jones'' Improved 
Editions.''^ 



RUSCHENBERGER'S 
FIRST BOOKS OF MATUKAL. MISTORY. 

FOR SCHOOLS, ACADEMIES, COLLEGES AND FAMILIES. 

1. ELEMENTS OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY, for BeginnerP, 

45 cuts. 

2. ELEMENTS OF MAMMALOGY, THE NATURAL HISTORY 

OF QUADRUPED, for beginners, 75 cuts. 

3. ELEMENTS OF ORNITHOLOGY, THE NATURAL HISTORY 

OF BIRDS, for beginners, 81 cuts. 

4. ELEMENTS OF HERPETOLOGY, AND ICHTHYOLOGY, THE 

NATURAL HISTORY OF REPTILES AND FISHES, 

for beginners, 66 cuts. 

5. ELEMENTS OF CONCHOLOGY, THE NATURAL HISTORY 

OF SHELLS AND MOLLUSCA, for beginners, 119 cuts. 

6. -ELEMENTS OF ENTOMOLOGY, THE NATURAL HISTORY 

OF INSECTS, for beginners, 91 ciats. 

7. ELEMENTS OF BOTANY, THE NATURAL HISTORY OF 

PLANTS, for beginners, 194 cuts. 

8. ELEMENTS OF GEOLOGY, %IE NATURAL HISTORY OK 
THE EARTH'S STRUCTURE, for beginners, with 300 cuts, 

Aho the whole Series, complete, bound in 2 Vols , half Turkey morocco. 
»,* The above series is considered one of the mo«t valuable contributions to the cause 
of education which has ever been pul)lished in this country, and should be found in the 
library of every Farmer and intelligentman, and particularly in all our School Libraries 



12 

In addition to the Popular School Books already named, oar stock 

comprises all the popular 

SCHOOL AND COLLEGE BOOKS 

OF THE DAY. 
SUCH AS THE VARIOUS EDITIONS OF 

SPELLING BOOKS; 

THE VARIOUS SERIES OF READING BOOKS, 

ENGLISH DICTIONARIES AND GRAIVIiViARS, 

THE WOKKS ON 

ARITHMETIC, GEOGRAPHY, 

RHETORIC, ELOCUTION, LOGIC, COMPOSITION, 
ALGEBRA, GEOMETRY, SURVEYING, 

mEXTSnZlATIOK, 

DRAWING, BOOK-KEEPING, 
HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY, 

NATURAL PHILOSOPHY, CHEMISTRY, BOTANY, 
MINERALOGY, 

NATURAL HISTORY, PHYSIOLOGY, ASTRONOMY, INTELLEC- 
TUAL AND MORAL PHILOSOPHY, POLITICAL ECONOMY, 

FRENCH GRAMMARS, 
DICTIONARIES, READERS, S^C. 

ALL THE VARIOUS 

GERMAN, LATIN, GREEK, AND SPANISH 
SCHOOL AND CLASSICAL BOOKS; 

WITH A VERY EXTENSIVE ASSORTMENT OF ALL THE 
STANDARD WORKS OF THE DAY, 

IN EVERY DEPARTMENT OF 

LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



LIPPINCOTT, GRAMBO & CO., 

SUCCESSORS TO 

GRIGG, ELLIOT & CO., 

NO. 11 NORTH FOURTH STREET. 
P H I f, A D E M' H I A . 



ill 



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